tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51494730158491539942017-03-17T17:13:14.139-07:00Journey Of FaithMargiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-63195076391161139922016-07-19T06:44:00.000-07:002016-07-19T07:00:18.478-07:00Summer Update<div>Dear Friends, </div><div></div><div>We wanted to send a little update on life in Padova along with current prayer requests.</div><div></div><div>As you know, I (Margie) was in CA for a few months taking care of my brother.&nbsp; He has finished all his chemotherapy and radiation treatments for now.&nbsp; The said they will order a scan in about another month.&nbsp; We are all praying that the treatments worked and that his cancer is in remission.&nbsp; Steve was so blessed by those of you who encouraged him along this difficult time.&nbsp; He loved reading facebook notes and seeing people from all over the world pray for him.&nbsp; It meant a lot to me too.&nbsp; Jim was able to visit for a couple weeks to attend Marla’s graduation for her Master’s Degree.&nbsp; We are so proud of her and all the hard work that went into this accomplishment.&nbsp; The Lord provided a job rather quickly and a friend offered to have her stay with them until she can save up for a place.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div>Here in Padova we are doing well.&nbsp; Jim is busy trying to figure out building storage areas outside the church as we don’t have much extra space inside.&nbsp; The place next door recently did some renovating so he was able to get some wood and other materials that should prove useful for his project.&nbsp; He is teaching through Colossians on Sunday mornings and it has been such a good study.&nbsp; It’s nice to see some are starting to take notes during the bible study too.&nbsp; Summers are not very busy here-most people are headed out for their holidays so it’s a good time for us to pray and plan for the Fall.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div>We have a wonderful location for our church-the neighborhood houses many of the university students and the main building to register for your residence is across the street from us.&nbsp; At the end of September we plan to have an outreach to the students.&nbsp; We will be making up ‘welcome bags’ with some goodies and a flyer for the weekly events at the church.&nbsp; Jim will plan to teach The Parables Of Jesus starting in October and we will have conversational English club one of the evenings.&nbsp; We are praying to get some musicians to come help us with an open house to start things off around the end of September.&nbsp; Students start arriving mid September and most are here by October.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0w_gER8oJY/V44tvMAjzfI/AAAAAAAAAxo/XLShVtv3lXYIJwXOhnVFxc-gwh4d0f92ACLcB/s1600/padova%2Bsign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0w_gER8oJY/V44tvMAjzfI/AAAAAAAAAxo/XLShVtv3lXYIJwXOhnVFxc-gwh4d0f92ACLcB/s320/padova%2Bsign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>If any of you are musicians and feel called to come over and help out please get in touch with us.&nbsp; If you have a heart for the unsaved and feel called to the Mission Field, please pray about joining us in Padova.&nbsp; We have such a need for helpers.&nbsp; There are so many students, so much ministry that can be done and we just cannot do it alone.&nbsp; We had a guy that had approached Jim about to coming over to help but he recently let us know he was offered to go somewhere else.&nbsp; It gets so discouraging after awhile.&nbsp;&nbsp; We see the churches around us and the benefits of them having other missionaries to help out in different ways and we know in our hearts God wants the same for Padova.&nbsp; Would you please pray specifically for our church in this area?&nbsp; There are tens of thousands of just university students in Padova, let alone families and others who need to hear the Gospel message.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div>One of the sad things about being in a university town is having to say good-bye to students.&nbsp; We had a gal from Germany who finished her studies in March and went back home and this past Sunday we said good-bye to such a dear gal, Emily.&nbsp; Emily found the church the day after she arrived in Padova and has been such a joy.&nbsp; She and a group of the students would meet each week at the church for bible study and it was such an encouragement to see their desire to walk with the Lord and grow in His Word.&nbsp; I will meet one last time with her tomorrow along with the gal who led the bible study and hopefully there will be a new group of students in the Fall.&nbsp; </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JKK2vqZHb4/V44ug4_g9OI/AAAAAAAAAxs/rwSTCL1rzFITb0cdkl-_4MUma7wtGpssACLcB/s1600/praying%2Bfor%2Bemily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JKK2vqZHb4/V44ug4_g9OI/AAAAAAAAAxs/rwSTCL1rzFITb0cdkl-_4MUma7wtGpssACLcB/s320/praying%2Bfor%2Bemily.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M94ZdRxzU8/V44ujcKZpZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/U5F6QvF6qTQedEwIelMP3Bixq_sOYNrxwCLcB/s1600/emily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M94ZdRxzU8/V44ujcKZpZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/U5F6QvF6qTQedEwIelMP3Bixq_sOYNrxwCLcB/s320/emily.JPG" width="166" /></a></div></div><div>We are looking forward to our favorite time of year-the annual Missions Conference in August.&nbsp; It’s always been a place of refuge and encouragement for us.&nbsp; The teachings, the friendships and of course the meals are all prepared for us.&nbsp; Please pray for all those who desire to go to be able to have the finances to attend and be refreshed in the Lord.&nbsp; It really is such a special time for so many of us.&nbsp; <br /><br />I forgot to mention in the email-but, Jim will be performing his first Italian wedding at the end of August. &nbsp;In Italy, as in most of Europe, people have to be legally married by the state. &nbsp;In Italy, the only church recognized to perform a wedding is the Catholic church. &nbsp;The couple reside in England but she has Italian roots so they will have the state wedding in England and the Christian wedding here. &nbsp;We are quite excited and got to meet them via skype the other night. &nbsp;Please keep this in prayer as many unbeliever will be in attendance and the couple is looking forward to their guests attending a Christian ceremony. &nbsp; They are quite culturally diverse as he is part American and British and she is Ukranian but moved to Italy as a child and somewhere along the road moved to England and fell in love! &nbsp;The ceremony will be in English with some Italian and Jim is going to work on saying a few things in Ukranian as well. &nbsp;We've been invited to join them for the celebration feast afterwards -lots of good food and conversation for sure :)</div><div></div><div>We thank those of you who stand in the gap with us-who pray fervently for our needs and faithfully support the ministry here.&nbsp; We say it often, but it is true.&nbsp; We cannot do what we do without you.&nbsp; We are truly blessed by your love and support.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div>with love and thanksgiving,</div><div>Jim and Margie</div><div>CC Padova, Italy</div><div></div><div><strong>Prayer Requests</strong></div><div>For people in our city to get saved</div><div>Marriages to be rooted in Christ and to be healthy</div><div>Wisdom in planning upcoming events-for God to lead and give direction and that we don’t get ahead of Him</div><div>Finances for building rent</div><div>That people in the church would continue to seek the Lord as to how they can serve in the church and also in the community</div><div>Our health-especially Margie’s back </div><div>Someone gifted who can do our church website</div><div>Missions Conference-travel protection, finances</div>Laborers to come alongside in ministering to the people in Padova<br />Please pray also for a young married couple in our church who have had to endure a long distance relationship due to paperwork. &nbsp;It's been a long process with a lot of&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">headaches and they are just praying for everything to go through so they can be reunited as a family.</span>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-5052297956497604042015-12-31T06:09:00.001-08:002015-12-31T10:26:56.581-08:00Saying Goodbye to 2015<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Friends and Loved Ones,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As 2015 comes to an end we would like to say thank you to all of&nbsp; you who have stood beside us in the past year. &nbsp;2015 brought us the joy of having a church building for the first time in our seven years here in Padova. &nbsp;With that, we have been able to host events, English movie nights, Teas, meals, English get-togethers, and of course our church services.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We were blessed with a couple of new students, Emily, from <st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:country-region> and Jessie from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>.&nbsp; They are both here studying at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Padova</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>.&nbsp; They have been inviting their fellow students to different events and it’s been a joy having them with us.&nbsp; The timing was perfect too as Marla’s contract ended in October with the family she was working for in Milano.&nbsp; She is now back in Padova with us and it is just like the Lord to bring along some gals close to her own age to hang out with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We also have a few people stationed in <st1:city w:st="on">Vicenza</st1:city> who have joined the fellowship.&nbsp; They are such an encouragement and so much fun to have around.&nbsp; Jim really enjoys his ‘war talks’ with Anton and Tim and it’s nice to see God bring us some seasoned Christian men.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We look forward in the coming year to more outreach with the university students and the people of Padova in general.&nbsp; One thing we are blessed by is seeing God bring a couple of new people who have also been inviting their friends to come to church.&nbsp; Do they stay or come back an other time?&nbsp; To be honest, no, most don’t.&nbsp; But they have heard the Gospel now and that is what our calling is.&nbsp; We pray that they would return and the Lord would soften their hearts, but as we have learned in the past, it’s our work to give the message, we can’t force them to accept it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are some needs we have-one that is something we have been praying for and asking pray for for many years and that is for a team to join us.&nbsp; Even if were a couple of people who could lead worship, lead a bible study and have a heart for the unsaved.&nbsp;&nbsp; We need those who are motivated to go out and hit the streets, led by the Holy Spirit to talk to people, get to know them and share the Lord with them.&nbsp; The land needs to be plowed and we find there are not many interested in plowing the fields any more.&nbsp; We do our best in our small fellowship to reach out and invite, but we are few and we know the Lord loves the people here in Padova and we want to see more and more get saved.&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6xQ3NuVG8o/VoUxF8Ig8HI/AAAAAAAAAv0/nroB1ubfJbw/s1600/12249727_10153723260517801_5742055121265042073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6xQ3NuVG8o/VoUxF8Ig8HI/AAAAAAAAAv0/nroB1ubfJbw/s320/12249727_10153723260517801_5742055121265042073_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXZBXsSCcXA/VoUu8vcsA7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/cdMAE_X2uMc/s1600/2015-09-27%2B11.18.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXZBXsSCcXA/VoUu8vcsA7I/AAAAAAAAAvM/cdMAE_X2uMc/s320/2015-09-27%2B11.18.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Our friend Ed from Santa Barbara playing keys for Sunday service</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3t032f8I6uM/VoUv6yr9uBI/AAAAAAAAAvY/PbsDsGl9rSU/s1600/11960143_10153723259752801_3656140745553917319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3t032f8I6uM/VoUv6yr9uBI/AAAAAAAAAvY/PbsDsGl9rSU/s320/11960143_10153723259752801_3656140745553917319_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Marla and Jessie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5B8QU262Qk/VoUv7cVFqwI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Kdm2hhLU7KU/s1600/12243382_10153723260132801_1339575271367201221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5B8QU262Qk/VoUv7cVFqwI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Kdm2hhLU7KU/s320/12243382_10153723260132801_1339575271367201221_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Giving Thanks</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim’s right hand man Franco has been such a blessing throughout the year.&nbsp; He has taught the bible studies when Jim is not there and he and his wife Rosa are our evangelists.&nbsp; They are always praying and inviting those they know to come and hear about Jesus.&nbsp; They pray always that God would break the chains of so many of the people here.&nbsp; They themselves have only been saved about 2 years and they know what it is like to be stuck in your traditions and unable to believe in the finished work on the cross.&nbsp; Please pray for them to continuously be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit as they share the love of&nbsp; Christ to those they come in contact with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim is finishing up Romans in the next month and will begin teaching the Parables of Jesus on Sunday mornings. We are excited about this study and the practical teaching and application of each of the parables.&nbsp; Some who have come to visit actually asked Jim if he would teach some of the ‘stories’.&nbsp; After praying and seeking the Lord,&nbsp; we will take a break from verse by verse for a time to see how the Lord teaches us through His parables. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim is looking forward to the Pastor’s conference in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Austria</st1:country-region> later in January.&nbsp; He will bring Franco again this year and perhaps if the schedules work out, some of the other guys from Padova.&nbsp; We are also praying that perhaps early summer or Fall of 2016 to have a weekend church retreat at the Castle.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We thank you for all of your prayers, your encouragement and support in the past year.&nbsp; We know that we are just a speck in the big picture, but nonetheless, where two or more are gathered, God is in their midst.&nbsp; God has given us a tremendous amount of love for the people of Padova and though there have been times of discouragement and even despair at times throughout the past year, we have been overjoyed at every work of the Holy Spirit, though small to some, an answer to prayer for us.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We ask for your continued prayers for CC Padova, for our fellowship and the people in our city.&nbsp; Sometimes I am sitting on the train or just walking around and I look at the faces of the hundreds of people around &nbsp;me and weep inside because though they may look good on the outside, inside there is emptiness-a life without Jesus Christ. &nbsp;&nbsp;Please pray for an outpouring of the Spirit in our lives so that we can communicate His Truth with the people here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the personal side, I need prayer for my health.&nbsp; It hasn’t been very good as far as my back is concerned-I have for the moment decided not to have the disc surgery. &nbsp;I researched a lot about it and the results seem to be 50-50. &nbsp;Those are with healthy people and being that I have pretty bad osteoporosis, the odds of me being able to grow strong bone is not in my favor. &nbsp;I have peace about it even though the pain can be crippling at times, but I sense the Lord guiding me to this decision-at least for the time being. &nbsp;&nbsp;They also discovered I&nbsp; have a lot of gallstones in me. &nbsp;How, I have no clue but I will have more blood work done in the next week and who knows what after that. &nbsp;I think they have to come out but again, I am not sure what the doctor will do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of you know that my brother was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago.&nbsp; He is set to have surgery January 15 and I was so blessed to get a ticket to go to CA to be with him and my family during this time.&nbsp; The prognosis is very promising which is, I believe, an answer to all who were praying for him.&nbsp; &nbsp;God is a God of miracles and we continue to put our trust in Him for a complete healing. &nbsp;Steven will have to have some reconstructive surgery on his face simultaneously as the one surgeon is extracting the cancer. &nbsp;It’s amazing what they can do these days.&nbsp; I will actually miss the surgery by a couple of days because they moved it up after &nbsp;I had already purchased my ticket. &nbsp;Thankfully I will still be there to help out in any way I can. &nbsp;Looking forward to saying hello to as many of you as time permits!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzfy2Vakwns/VoUxIZGkpqI/AAAAAAAAAwE/FabZlC4LVow/s1600/12375316_10153760914987801_8241238185609519794_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzfy2Vakwns/VoUxIZGkpqI/AAAAAAAAAwE/FabZlC4LVow/s200/12375316_10153760914987801_8241238185609519794_o.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmBdmUPXWd0/VoUxFlNEHvI/AAAAAAAAAvw/gpBRF0b6yL0/s1600/12241552_10153723259897801_986036909889069587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmBdmUPXWd0/VoUxFlNEHvI/AAAAAAAAAvw/gpBRF0b6yL0/s200/12241552_10153723259897801_986036909889069587_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fzZ5NQXbng/VoU1uay6YtI/AAAAAAAAAwg/htuyBE0RPZc/s1600/12095090_10207632767078380_4601073042357455968_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fzZ5NQXbng/VoU1uay6YtI/AAAAAAAAAwg/htuyBE0RPZc/s200/12095090_10207632767078380_4601073042357455968_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><b><br /></b><b>Our vision for CC Padova in 2016</b><br />To strengthen those who are already in the fellowship, to equip them to do the work of the ministry and see them use the gifts God has given them not only in the church but in the community.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That we as a fellowship would be united in the things of the Lord, attentive to the voice of the Spirit, overflowing in our love for one another and sharing that love with others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To reach out to our community through God’s Word, music, meals and other events with the love and truth of the Gospel.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To be a place of refuge for those without hope, those looking for answers and those who have nowhere to turn.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Our prayer requests as we enter 2016<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Laborers…Pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send workers-young and not so young-those willing to plough the field.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wisdom in decision making, fresh filling of the Spirit.&nbsp; Walking in step with the leading of the Lord and seeking His direction and guidance in our outreaches and various ministries.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the marriages in our fellowship-that we would yield our wills,&nbsp; have grace and unconditional love for one another.&nbsp; To encourage an build up each other.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Continued financial provision to enable us to do the things we do in the church and also to enable us to have more outreach events.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Teams from different places to come over for short-term mission trips and help evangelize our city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our health, perhaps if anyone knows of a dentist in CA who would donate his/her time to do extensive dentist work on our teeth. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To trust God for the future and not to be afraid.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim’s prayer for us as a church -</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“My prayer for <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place> Chapel Padova is that each of us knows, teaches and demonstrates the love and truth of the Word of God to our community. I pray that we would reach out to others in accordance to God's Word in love, grace and mercy."<o:p></o:p></i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, we thank you so very much for your commitment to stand in the gap with us. Without you we would not be able to continue the work that God has sent us to do. &nbsp;I believe in Heaven you will see, that we could not put in pictures or words, the effect your perseverance had on the lives of many.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">May the Lord bless you in the coming year and fill your lives with His grace, mercy and love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Much love&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim and Margie<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJmlYFXqpCo/VoU9XlD1noI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rQwnuK_bVbg/s1600/nov2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJmlYFXqpCo/VoU9XlD1noI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rQwnuK_bVbg/s200/nov2015.JPG" width="165" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana;">For we have great joy</span></i></b><b><i><sup data-fn="#fen-NKJV-29946d" data-link="[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NKJV-29946d&quot; title=&quot;See footnote d&quot;&gt;d&lt;/a&gt;]" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;</span></sup></i></b><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana;">and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.</span>&nbsp;Philemon 1:7</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">If you would like to be a part of supporting us financially there are a couple ways you can do so:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Send a check to with a memo stating it's for Jim Stewart CC Padova to:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Calvary Chapel Vista</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">885 E Vista Way</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Vista, CA 92084</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">OR you can give via online donations at either of the two websites. &nbsp;Just be sure to scroll to designate for Missions/Jim Stewart</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Go to&nbsp;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">OR</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><i>All donations are tax deductible</i></div></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-50842383961611951252015-12-29T04:34:00.001-08:002015-12-29T04:34:20.707-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas -An InterludeWell, I didn't get to the blog as often as I wanted to finish out the series but my daughter and friend Tracey encouraged me to keep going even though it's after Christmas.<br /><br />We had a lovely Christmas with a couple of friends spending the night and even an entire day afterwards where absolutely nothing was done except curl up on couches and chairs in our pj's, wrapped in duvets, watching back to back episodes of Masterchef Junior, followed by the Downton Abbey Christmas special. &nbsp;(Living in Europe has its perks every now and then). &nbsp;We pulled out leftovers, pie, and cups of tea to keep us warm. &nbsp;Jim didn't find that entertaining so he stayed in the other room playing guitar and catching up on the news.<br /><br />Following the&nbsp;<strike>laziness</strike>, I mean restfulness, I had lots of stored up energy yesterday and got to work around the house. &nbsp;First up was spraying one bedroom with bleach due to mold....it's a HUGE problem here in Italy which everyone just seems to take in stride....then onto the kitchen. &nbsp;Not just washing the dishes, including the ones hidden in the oven for a later day, but stovetop, counters, whatever was in need of washing got washed. &nbsp;Then onto the floor. &nbsp;Now, mind you, sweeping the kitchen floor is normally a daily thing but yesterday was intense....throwing the rugs outside, moving all the trashcans (we have 4 since you to recycle here) rugs, etc...and then having the amount of energy I did, I decided not just to mop but to get down on hands and knees and scrub.......well,,,,that was my mistake. &nbsp;While scrubbing underneath the island I felt something or some things move about inside my stomache. &nbsp;I screamed so loudly even Jim heard me with his earphones on!<br /><br />Something, somewhere, spun around inside as if part of my insides were coming out. &nbsp;It felt like parts of me were twisting about trying to do gymnastics inside. &nbsp;It was that all too familiar pain of ribs cracking or breaking or moving or whatever in the world they do. &nbsp;Ouch!! &nbsp;So, with that, Jim ordered me not to clean anymore. &nbsp;(at least until next week lol) and I spent the rest of the day on the couch inside a blanket drinking tea and eating panettone. &nbsp;Wednesday I will probably head out to the ER and get an x-ray. &nbsp;We figure it is easier and quicker to do that than go to the doctor and wait a couple hours for him to write a paper for me to make an appointment to get an x-ray and see what exactly happened.<br /><br />Fortunately, the pain is not as bad as in the past. &nbsp;If I move a certain way you or try to lift something, the pain is horrendous but thankfully it's not as bad as it could be. &nbsp;I have had some strange bump on that side of my rib for the past year and the doctor has yet to give me the paper to get an x-ray so maybe this is a good thing after all. &nbsp;At least we may find out what the bump is :)<br /><br />So, hopefully tomorrow I will be back on track and write about the next song. &nbsp;I am thankful for my daughter and friend who encouraged me not to give up. &nbsp;It's so important that we have people in our lives to whisper in our ear to press on no matter what we feel like. &nbsp;I love the picture of running a race and having people on the sidelines cheering us on. &nbsp;I used to run track in high school and it was always inspirational to hear your friends cheer you on throughout the race. &nbsp;I also remember one of the key lessons my coach taught us-never look back! &nbsp;Keep your eyes on the finish line, always look at what is ahead of you.<br /><br />My friend, if there is something you have purposed in your heart to do but lost your motivation, maybe people didn't respond as you had hoped, perhaps you are tired or you have been injured and don't have the energy to finish what you started....please don't give up. &nbsp;Take up your pen, your guitar, your voice, time, &nbsp;the bible study you used to attend, whatever it may be that you put down for whatever reason and put it to use once again. &nbsp;Don't let discouragement keep you from enjoying your race. &nbsp;Confide in a friend and ask them to be your cheerleader if you need one. &nbsp;Most of all, recommit whatever it is you have stopped doing to the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to help you finish what you started. &nbsp;Also, look around and see who you can encourage to keep going. &nbsp; Be the friend that someone needs you to be but perhaps is too afraid to ask for.<br /><br />Don't be afraid to ask for help. &nbsp;We don't need to be these mighty women who think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. &nbsp;It's not. &nbsp;It just means we realize we cannot run this race alone and quite frankly, we aren't meant to run it alone. &nbsp;Runners may run alone, but they are often part of a team. They have a coach to train them and bring out their potential and they have team-mates to root for them along the way.<br /><br />Let's ask the Lord to show us those around us who need cheering on, to help those who are ready to quit the race, to encourage those who may not feel they are part of the team and then to also be those who aren't afraid to ask a team-mate to run alongside of us, reminding us that we are in this together and we can do this!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4biuARrxE0k/VoJ9paTV3LI/AAAAAAAAAu4/G_TTwaMoOEg/s1600/presson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4biuARrxE0k/VoJ9paTV3LI/AAAAAAAAAu4/G_TTwaMoOEg/s320/presson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-80918557976633200342015-12-19T09:54:00.001-08:002015-12-19T09:54:56.847-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas Day 5Sometimes you just go through rough patches. &nbsp;Things beyond your control. &nbsp;In the midst of the glee and laughter of the season comes those times of sadness, even heartache. &nbsp;I know so many friends that are going through a really rough season right now. &nbsp;Whether it is financial, health or knowing they are far away from family at Christmas, whatever it is, they are aching inside. &nbsp;Some are wondering what is in store for them in the coming year, others are joyfully and sacrificially giving out to others even though they have very little to give to their own family. <br /><br />I think it is even harder as a Christian when you go through these difficult times because we tend to start to feel guilty for feelings and emotions that arise. &nbsp;On one hand, we know that it rains on the just and unjust yet we are to have faith. &nbsp;Faith that God will see us through whatever we are going through. &nbsp;We are reminded that God takes care of the birds of the air and all the more will He meet our every need, and many times our wants. &nbsp;But there are those moments when we find ourselves lacking faith and then feel like we blew it because we 'went there'. &nbsp;We went to that place in our minds that asks all the questions....why, what if, how come now, etc. <br /><br />With that, I listened to a new song today and decided to use this one rather than one from my list. <br />It is by Chris Tomlin and the song is <b><u>Adore</u></b>. &nbsp;You can listen to it here:<br /><span style="background-color: rgba(28, 28, 28, 0.8); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: &quot;roboto&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.3px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/br-Ql1zVcUc?list=PL1g_9I78e25RhCXhk0PTvMyhlBik1hJvK" width="480"></iframe></span><br />I love that about the Lord. &nbsp;He knows His children so well. &nbsp;He knows what each of us needs to hear and is ever so faithful to whisper to our hearts-'do this, read that, call her, and so on. &nbsp;That still small voice that is our God. &nbsp;That loving and gracious Father who doesn't chastise us when we have those moments-rather He tenderly grasps our chin and lifts our head so that we can focus on what is rather than succumb to despair, guilt and shame. <br /><br />I love worship music and how it lifts my soul. &nbsp;It takes me from where I may be in my current state of mind and puts my focus back on the Lord. &nbsp;That is why I like this song so much. &nbsp;Adore Him. <br /><br />Tune out everything else that is occupying your mind right now. &nbsp;Listen to this song and adore your Savior. &nbsp;Your circumstance may not change, but your focus will no longer be or those things occupying your mind. &nbsp;Your heart will be full because you have taken time out to adore the One who adores you so very much. &nbsp;Go to your room, a quiet place if possible and just play the song (repeat if necessary :) &nbsp;) &nbsp;I put it on auto replay!<br /><br />I made this printable to go with today's song (yesterday's also) so just click on them if you want to save and print out to put in a frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcigSpa9E28/VnWZNXYxoFI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fx0TXOLg850/s1600/adore%2BHim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcigSpa9E28/VnWZNXYxoFI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fx0TXOLg850/s320/adore%2BHim.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-89453814706950054432015-12-17T10:57:00.004-08:002015-12-17T10:59:07.038-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas Day 4<div>Such a busy day but I wanted to be faithful to this series and put up a post. &nbsp;Today's song is another one of my favorites. &nbsp;It is scripture and that put to song is always going to be inspiring and uplifting to our souls. &nbsp;I have taught on this portion of scripture at a couple of Christmas Teas and each time I am challenged to get back to basics-being reminded what it is to serve the Lord and that everything is about Him and the things I do should be done as unto Him. <br /><br />"An audience of One" is a phrase I read in Gail MacDonald's book <u style="font-weight: bold;">High Call High Privilege</u>. &nbsp;It's a wonderful book about the call of being a pastor's wife. &nbsp;In one of the chapters she shares about doing what we do as unto the Lord, pleasing Him and not looking for the praise and adoration from man, being faithful and obedient in whatever we are called to do.<br /><br />In Luke's Gospel, we ready of Mary, the mother of Jesus. &nbsp;We catch a small glimpse into her life and though not much is written about her, we are able to glean volumes from her life.<br /><br />Today's song comes from Luke 1:46-55, known as The Magnicat. &nbsp;Click below to hear this beautiful song:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o_b-woAaK1s?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(28, 28, 28, 0.8); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: &quot;roboto&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.3px;"><br /></span>I am so intrigued by Mary's life-her simplicity and her obedience. She faced fear of the unknown and probably had many questions about what was to be. Yet, she chose to obey God and to trust Him. She didn't need the story laid out before her and know every detail before she said yes-'behold the maidservant of the Lord, let it be according to Your Word'. Wow, what a response! It caused me to think about how I respond to things when God calls me to do something. Most times, I want to analyze like most of us women do. We tend to want to think it over, weigh the pros and cons, are there benefits, and wondering what the cost might be.<br /><br /></div><div>After meditating on these verses in Luke 1:46-55 (the Magnificat) you can really see Mary's heart. How much she loved the Lord, how well she knew her God. It showed me that that is what it comes down to in our lives, at least in my life. How well do I know Him, and how much do I really trust Him. Do I trust Him so much that I can abandon everything to Him, to believe without wavering that He will be faithful, that He will indeed work out every detail of the plan as I leave it to Him to do so. She praised the Lord in these verses from her heart, not just with her lips. Her worship wasn't based on how she felt at the time, or her circumstances. It was true worship from deep within her soul.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing that really stuck with me in studying her life was what <b><i>didn't</i></b> happen. Here was Mary, soon to be married to Joseph. One might think that from this point on they would live spectacular lives, perhaps go on tour and share what it was like to 'carry the Son of God, write books, do promotions, etc. &nbsp;. After all, they would be the earthly parents of the Messiah.<br /><br />Mary and Joseph didn't become wealthy materialistically. Joseph didn't have the biggest carpentry business in town or business cards made up with a fish on them and try to gain from the call on their life. Nothing was about them. They didn't seek to profit nor did they expect that God would suddenly make their lives easier. There weren't some rich guys in the synagogue running over to build them a house or offer them all kinds of neat things because Jesus was living with them.<br /><br /></div><div>It made me think about life as a Christian. Life as a servant of God. &nbsp;We can think that if we do what we ought, then God will be well pleased with us and He will make life a bit easier, He will suddenly change our financial status, our social status, and other things. I tend to fall in this rut at times. Thinking ok Lord, I am doing this and I know You are in it, I know You called me to this, and so everything is going to work out so well. I realized that this type of thinking can easily lead to bitterness. Bitterness towards the Lord because we had expected something more than He had promised. Bitterness because you said yes and you are struggling in your life and someone else said no and seems to be living the life of Reilly (who's Reilly anyway???)<br /><br />We need to protect our hearts and minds from thinking that God owes us something just because we obeyed the call. When these thoughts come to mind, I need to run to my Bible and read the accounts of those who said 'yes' and see how easy and pain free their lives were (being sarcastic here) while on this earth.</div><div>Mary's obedience cost her much! She would watch her Son be beaten and hung on a cross to die. She would endure listening to the loud, scruffy voices of the soldiers hurling insults at the Son she once cradled in her arms. She would hear a crowd of voices yelling out to crucify the little boy she watched grow into a Man. &nbsp;No, Mary's life was in no way easy just because she was obedient.<br /><br /></div><div>I read this quote from Charles Spurgeon:</div><div><b><i>"Oh how we ought to rejoice in Him, whatever our union with Him may cost us. Mary did not know what that wondrous visitation would cost her-and it was to cost her much, as Simeon said to her-"Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also," But even though the sword must go through her soul, it mattered not to her, for unto her a Child was to be born, unto her a Son was to be given, who was to be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Might God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Oh to live this life with total abandonment to Christ. &nbsp;To say 'yes, Lord and not worry about things to come, to not live in fear of the future.. Surrendering ourselves to Him without hesitation, to trust Him, to believe that yes, my God has everything under control. And then, not to just accept what He has for me-but to <b>praise</b> Him!&nbsp; I realized how easy it is to get to that point of acceptance of His will but fail to get to the point of praise.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">We do have reason to exalt His Name, to rejoice in our Savior! No matter what the circumstances of our lives are, no matter what or where He calls us to, we can magnify His Name!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;">How do you respond when the Lord asks the seemingly impossible of you? &nbsp;I pray for all of us that as we know and trust Him more and more we can respond in praise as Mary did. &nbsp;We can magnify the Lord rather than magnify what we deem impossible. &nbsp;</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAEi0ST9gY/VnMDPrqdMUI/AAAAAAAAAt8/bJk9O57P05g/s1600/my%2Bsoul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAEi0ST9gY/VnMDPrqdMUI/AAAAAAAAAt8/bJk9O57P05g/s320/my%2Bsoul.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-39587368525205846722015-12-16T06:35:00.000-08:002015-12-16T06:44:16.289-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas Songs Day 3Today's song is one many are probably not familiar with. &nbsp;As I look through my Christmas playlist I have a gazillion versions of many of the same songs that have been sung throughout the ages. &nbsp;As much as I enjoy them and have my favorite versions of the classics, I do appreciate it when someone comes up with a new Christmas song that evokes the spirit of Christmas.<br /><br />This song makes me think, it makes me wonder, and it often leaves me more in awe of Jesus after listening to it. &nbsp;The words stir up within me so many different thoughts and makes me glad that someone else thinks the same way as I do. <br /><br />I love Jesus and everything about Him. &nbsp;I love that He is the Word and He dwelt among us-He walked and talked with the common person, the sick, the outcast. &nbsp;I love that he hated hypocrisy and wasn't afraid to call people out when they were prideful and looking their noses down at others. &nbsp;I love that He was so powerful, so holy, so magnificent and yet He took time to wash the dirty feet of others. &nbsp;His wondrous love that hung upon a cross so that we would be set free and have the opportunity to live with Him in Eternity. &nbsp;I absolutely love that He calls us, you and me, the simpletons of this world, His friends. <br /><br />John writes at the end of his Gospel, in chapter 21, that if everything Jesus did during His time on earth was written down, the world couldn't contain the books they were written in. &nbsp;How amazing is that! &nbsp;We get but a glimpse into the life of Jesus. &nbsp;I wonder in Heaven if we will hear from all the people whose lives He touched. &nbsp;Those He healed, spoke a Word to that changed their life. &nbsp;Some He may have only gazed at and it was enough to pierce their very heart.<br /><br />The song for today is by Todd Agnew. &nbsp;It is titled '<b>Did You Know</b>?' &nbsp;It is written sort of as a dialogue between a person and Jesus. &nbsp;It's almost as if someone went inside my head and wrote out some of questions in my mind and put them to song. &nbsp;You can listen to it here: (the lyrics are there too)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6SMN1ffxp74?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Have you ever wanted to ask Jesus questions? &nbsp;I don't mean the why's of events in our lives. &nbsp;That's a given-we all have things we don't understand and wish He could explain why we go through what we go through. &nbsp;But, I mean questions about Him and when He was a child. &nbsp;Do you try to imagine His household as He grew up? &nbsp;His brothers and sisters and what it must have been like living with the Son of God as your brother??? &nbsp;Wow, I cannot imagine it! <br /><br />Did He know when He was a baby that He was still God? <br /><br />Did He go through the 'terrible two's or was He a perfect child?<br /><br />Did He call Joseph 'Dad'?<br /><br />Did Joseph have to correct Him when He was young? &nbsp;Did He ever roll His eyes at His parents like most children do?<br /><br />How did He interact with His brothers and sisters-knowing they didn't believe who He was until much later?<br /><br />Did He ever frustrate His parents as kids sometimes do and if so, did Mary and Joseph feel like the could correct Him?<br /><br />Was He Mary's favorite? &nbsp;Did the others pick up on that?<br /><br />When Joseph taught Him the scriptures as a child did He already know them? &nbsp;And was Joseph nervous that he was teaching Jesus the Word of God?<br /><br />Ah, so many questions fill my mind as I think of Jesus coming to this earth. &nbsp;Do these questions matter in the long run? &nbsp;No, obviously not, but I still think of them-especially in December as we prepare our homes and especially our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Jesus, our King. <br /><br />Do you ever wonder about Jesus and His growing up years? &nbsp;Does your mind sometimes work like mine where you think of Him as a child and doing the things children do? &nbsp;Are you curious if He had buddies in the neighborhood that He might have played baseball or football with (lol...I know they didn't have those games back then) but still, the kids must have played some kind of games. &nbsp;Was He the best player on the team? &nbsp;Did He discourage the boys who would say bad things against the girls? Did he run to Mary with tears streaming down His face when someone roughed Him up in a game or maybe even picked on Him?<br /><br />I wonder just as in this song-since Joseph was a carpenter and we know he taught Jesus how to build things out of wood-did Jesus know as He was handling the nails that they would one day pierce His hands and feet? <br /><br />When He shaped the wood as a young boy did an image of a cross with His body upon it cause a sudden shrill to flow through His being?<br /><br />The glorious wonder of our Jesus. &nbsp;God Incarnate-God who became flesh-who left Heaven to come down to earth for you and me. &nbsp;We hear and read so many accounts of His power and greatness and yet He came as a baby. &nbsp;Fully God and fully man. &nbsp;Wow, just wow! &nbsp;How I love Him so! &nbsp;How thankful I am that Jesus is our Savior and that He came to this earth because of His great love for us. <br />God's gift to us all, wrapped in love.<br /><br />I would love for you to share your thoughts :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwi8-PlKZ7E/VnF0VhA0F4I/AAAAAAAAAto/Y_ujK4S4N0Q/s1600/king%2Bsize%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwi8-PlKZ7E/VnF0VhA0F4I/AAAAAAAAAto/Y_ujK4S4N0Q/s320/king%2Bsize%2Bbed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-23216268516750791812015-12-15T04:51:00.000-08:002015-12-16T06:36:58.832-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas Day 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Today's choice of songs has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. &nbsp;I remember sitting in the living room with my family watching one of the many Christmas specials that came on TV in December. &nbsp;Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and many other classics were always fun to look forward to each year but there was one show in particular that always got to me. &nbsp;I was mesmerized by the storyline and used to think about it so often. &nbsp;I marveled that there was a little boy who was able to approach Jesus. &nbsp;How much courage it must have taken him to walk over to gathering and in his little squeaky voice ask if he might join them. &nbsp;My mind would race and wonder how this could be and what a special boy he must be. &nbsp;I would try to imagine what it was like for him-all little and probably scared but he was also so brave. &nbsp;Yes, it is a fictional story with a little boy but sometimes that is all it takes to rouse one's curiosity and being so fascinated that you want to know more. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">If you haven't guessed it yet, well, here is today's song choice.......drum roll....get it :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">The Little Drummer Boy!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx_ExnEStt4/Vm_yNpdYUVI/AAAAAAAAAtA/2OivWPQ0iDE/s1600/little-drummer-boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx_ExnEStt4/Vm_yNpdYUVI/AAAAAAAAAtA/2OivWPQ0iDE/s320/little-drummer-boy.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><span id="goog_1736935397"></span><span id="goog_1736935398"></span><br />Here is Pentatonix's version of the song:<br /><span style="background-color: rgba(28, 28, 28, 0.8); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: &quot;roboto&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.3px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qJ_MGWio-vc" width="480"></iframe></span><br />In the midst of the 20 or so 'pa rum pa pum pum's there is that very first word in the song...'Come'. Only four letters and not even the most used word in the song but it speaks volumes (at least to me it does). &nbsp;This little lad is given an invitation to come. Come and see! &nbsp;Isn't that marvelous!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Who doesn't enjoy being invited somewhere? &nbsp;Ok, I will admit that at certain times of year it may be overwhelming to receive invite after invite requesting your presence at an event. &nbsp;In December, calendars and planners are filled with school events to attend, cookie exchanges, teas and socials and let's just get together and enjoy some eggnog together {I can't stand eggnog so if you invite me for that I will have to decline ;)}. &nbsp;But what about when that one invite comes in the mail and you see the return address and can't wait to rip open the envelope and read each and every detail. &nbsp;You were invited to the 'it' party or THE main social event of the season that everyone would give their right arm to attend. &nbsp;You start to scream, jump up and down with excitement, call the hairdresser for an appointment closest to the time of the event and rummage through your closet to find the perfect outfit. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Do you know that you have already received the MOST amazing invitation to 'Come and see'? &nbsp;In John 1:39 Jesus invites the first two disciples to 'come and see'. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">In <span style="background-color: yellow;">John 1:45-46</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<b><i>P<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">hillip is telling Nathaniel that they found Jesus, Nathaniel is skeptical so Phillip invites him to 'come and see for yourself'. &nbsp;</span></i></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">In <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 11:28</span> Jesus says<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;<i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Come</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">me</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.</span></b></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; line-height: 24px;">My friends, this is the best invitation you could ever receive. &nbsp;To come to Jesus! &nbsp;Wherever you are in life, whatever burdens you may be carrying, whatever your past or even your present situation consists of-you are invited to come and see!! &nbsp;See for yourself who Jesus is. Don't let media or anything, anyone dissuade you. &nbsp;Don't make your opinions based on whatever negativity you may have heard from somewhere else....Just as Phillip said to Nathaniel-'come see for yourself'. &nbsp; How else will you know if you don't see for yourself?!</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Imagine receiving an invitation to come and see the Prince and Princess get married or perhaps and invitation to come and see their new born baby. &nbsp;Oh my gosh, the excitement would surpass all you can think of. &nbsp;And then, those thrilling moments quickly pass because now you have to think of the perfect gift that is befitting royalty. &nbsp;Your excitement quickly dulls as you start to realize that there is nothing you can think of that would be good enough to bring this little prince or princess.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Ah, but here in this song, we see this young lad being invited to come-come and see this new born King. &nbsp;Only a child himself, he wonders what could he possibly give that would honor the King that he was invited to see. &nbsp;He has his drum and asks to use it to play a song for this new born babe. &nbsp;And yes, it is a made up song but I really do love how it says 'He smiled at me'. &nbsp;You know, we don't all have elaborate gifts that we can wrap up in the finest gift wrap and present to royalty. &nbsp;We don't all have bank accounts that exceed double or triple digits. Not all of us can sing on key, some of us may get physically ill at the thought of speaking before a crowd, &nbsp;or our culinary skills may only include boiling water without it spilling over.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">Guess what?! &nbsp;That's ok!!! &nbsp;Yes, it is ok! &nbsp;You don't need to be Ina or Martha! &nbsp;Each of us has been given some type of gift and when we use it for the Lord I believe it makes Him smile. &nbsp;He is well pleased to see us use whatever we have for his glory. &nbsp;So again, don't decline an invitation to come just because you don't feel you have anything of worth or value to offer. &nbsp;You do!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is a Parable in the bible found in </span><b><i style="background-color: yellow;">Luke 14:15-24</i></b><span style="background-color: white;"> &nbsp;It is a parable about a man having a big banquet. &nbsp;He sends his servants out to invite the people to come, the banquet is ready. Sadly, one by one the invited guests made an excuse why they couldn't come. &nbsp;My job, my household, one reason or another why they couldn't come to the banquet. &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><b><i style="background-color: yellow;">Revelation 19:9</i></b><span style="background-color: white;"> speaks about the Marriage Supper Of the Lamb. &nbsp;Once again, there is an invitation offered. &nbsp;This invitation is open to all who will come. &nbsp;Jesus Christ extends this invitation to each and every person ever born. &nbsp;There are no exclusions. &nbsp;But just as with any invitation we receive, we have a choice to make.</span></span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We can choose to ignore the invitation and throw it away. &nbsp;We can take the invitation and put it with a pile of other things to sort through at a later date, we can simply RSVP with a 'no' or we can respond by saying 'yes'. &nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Like any other invitation, there is usually a deadline as to when you should RSVP. &nbsp;If you try to do so after the deadline, it's too late and you cannot be included. &nbsp;The same holds true for the invitation to come to Christ, to join Him and many others at the marriage supper of the Lamb. &nbsp;We only have while we are alive and breathing on this earth. &nbsp;Once we die, we are not given another chance. &nbsp;The choice we made while living is the choice that stays with us for eternity. &nbsp;No prayer after death said by any one on your behalf can change the reality of your choice on earth.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">So today, you have have received this invitation to Come...come to Jesus. &nbsp;You have been invited to offer what you have to Him-no matter how big or small in anyone else's eyes. &nbsp;You have been invited to come and the choice is yours. &nbsp;You have been invited, perhaps once again, to cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. &nbsp;To give over your burdens and worries because He wants to carry them for you. &nbsp;You have been invited to come-just as you are-into the presence of God.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br />How will you respond?</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6XGJ6ZfPWA/VnALKqdddlI/AAAAAAAAAtU/XyjrWMi_fAA/s1600/invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6XGJ6ZfPWA/VnALKqdddlI/AAAAAAAAAtU/XyjrWMi_fAA/s320/invitation.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-81690344934781758732015-12-14T06:29:00.000-08:002015-12-14T09:28:22.670-08:0012 Songs Of Christmas Day 1I have wanted to do this for some time now but it never seemed to work out time wise. &nbsp;So now I am going to give my best effort to write a little devotion based on a Christmas Song I really like. &nbsp;Some songs may be familiar to you, others you may not have heard before but each one has a special place in my heart. &nbsp;It was hard to narrow it down to just 12 but after lots of scratching and erasing I think I have the list ready. &nbsp;Who knows, it may change but you will never know because I am not putting up the list :) &nbsp;You will have to wait with such patience each day! <br />I pray these will be a blessing to each of you and the Lord will minister to your hearts throughout the next 12 days. <br /><br />The first song I chose is I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day. &nbsp;Below are the original lyrics (minus the references to the Civil War) and also Casting Crowns version of the song.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A787ja0CDz4/Vm6xcE3H2rI/AAAAAAAAAsE/zPfUheoTaXg/s1600/i%2Bheard%2Bthe%2Bbells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A787ja0CDz4/Vm6xcE3H2rI/AAAAAAAAAsE/zPfUheoTaXg/s200/i%2Bheard%2Bthe%2Bbells.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bK8xB1opuQ8?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />It's such a beautiful song and I have been listening to it for a few years now. &nbsp;It wasn't until recently that I looked up the meaning behind the song (I honestly don't know what I would do without Google lol). &nbsp;Like so many beautiful hymns that were written long ago, this poem was so beautifully penned from the heart by Henry W. Longfellow. &nbsp;"<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">On Christmas day, 1863, Longfellow—a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself—wrote a poem seeking to capture the dynamic and dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him. He heard the Christmas bells that December day and the singing of “peace on earth” (</span><a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Luke 2.14" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%202.14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: #79ae4a; font-family: proxima-nova, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Luke 2:14</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">), but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook. The theme of&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">listening</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">&nbsp;recurred throughout the poem, eventually leading to a settledness of confident hope even in the midst of bleak despair.</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">As I read this story I couldn't help but think that his thoughts and words ring true for so many, especially at Christmas time. &nbsp;The sights and sounds of the this joyous time. &nbsp;Bright lights, Christmas caroling, church and school programs, parties to attend, cookies to be made, trees to be trimmed and the excitement in the air can be quite contagious. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">We hear the laughter, children carefully making their wish-lists, the smell of woodsy candles and every kind of baked goods permeate the air. &nbsp;The satisfaction of finding the perfect gift for that someone special in our lives makes waiting in the crowded lines seem worth it-we may even find ourselves tapping our feet to the Christmas music being piped &nbsp;throughout the stores.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">And yet for many, there are no parties, no joy, no trying to sing on key, no longer is there that sense of accomplishment when we have found the perfect gift for that someone special. The choirs are singing of peace and yet we cannot with our eyes see any peace on earth yet alone in our own lives and hearts. &nbsp;There is a sense of despair, hopelessness and sadness within us.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">A broken heart, perhaps a broken spirit. &nbsp;One that finds it challenging to look around at the well placed twinkling lights and see the Light of the World. &nbsp;One that sees and hears the words 'peace on earth' written on cards and sung in song but cannot sense the 'Prince of Peace' within his own heart. &nbsp;Perhaps listening to the naysayers as he walks about his neighborhood or gathered around the water-cooler at his work place discussing &nbsp;aloud if God were truly God why is there so much pain, so much evil, loneliness and heartache. &nbsp;Why, when we have done all to follow You, would You allow this suffering to be so? &nbsp; How would he answer others questions when he finds himself wrestling with the same things?</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Are you there? &nbsp;Have you been there? &nbsp;In the midst of the joy and laughter all around you, you are just trying to get by. &nbsp;You've lost your job, your loved one passed away, you received bad news from the doctor, your family is not going to be together at Christmas. &nbsp;The dream of giggles and wrapping a present for your own long awaited child will not come to pass this year either.....whatever it may be. You listen to your friends talk about their plans for Christmas Day, the traditions they have and you smile on the outside and pray like crazy that no one sees the pain inside you, and you quickly find a reason why you have to be on your way because if you stand there one more minute you are going to burst into tears.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">I want to picture Mr. Longfellow at his table as he writes these words. &nbsp;Is he writing speedily, scratching out words and replacing them with others? &nbsp;Are tears dripping down on the paper as he pours his heart out in prose? &nbsp;Are his eyes so red and tear-stained that he finds it difficult to see where one word ends and another begins? &nbsp;Does he in fact know that one day these very words would be put to song and fill the hearts of all who hear it with the reminder that despite what is going on in life and the world around us that there is hope-there is life and there is God?!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">He writes that <i>in despair he bowed his head</i>.....oh my friend....I believe many of us have been there. We can no longer hold the pen, we tire of pouring our heart out in our journals, there remains no other noise but the sobs and cries pouring out from deep within. &nbsp;Everything we have been trying to hold back, the thoughts, the doubts and fears within the depths of our soul can no longer be contained. &nbsp;And we sit with our head bowed low at the table, or we grab a pillow to help drown out the pangs of despair, we lock ourselves in the bathroom-running the water so no one else can hear us and we weep and we weep some more.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">But, look at the next verse-the bells were ringing louder and louder. &nbsp;At first, the cries from our heart were overpowering the sounds of the bells. &nbsp;Yet, after a time, the sobs became quieted within us. &nbsp;As we poured our heart out we began to surrender our own understanding, we no longer needed an explanation as to why. &nbsp;We could feel the warmth of the Holy Spirit comforting us with the very Word of God. &nbsp;We were reminded that there is no circumstance in life that God cannot help us through. &nbsp;We experience the God of all comfort comforting us in our sorrow. &nbsp;We believe once again that ALL things work together for good for those who love God. &nbsp;Slowly, we feel His precious hands lifting up our head, we see the bottle where He has stored each of our salty tears and though we are alone, there is that sense that His arms are so tightly wrapped around us assuring us that He is with us always and will never leave us nor forsake us. &nbsp;His truth once again overshadows the fears. &nbsp;His light once again illuminates our hearts and His peace that passes all understanding gives us the strength we need to make it through whatever comes our way.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">I hope that there are church bells near where you live. &nbsp;(</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 22.4px;">If there are no bells, maybe find an app or ringtone or something that makes the sound of a bell and set it to go off throughout your day) &nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 22.4px;">I pray that you will not be so busy that you cannot hear them as they ring, and that when they do, you stop and you pause no matter where you are or what you are doing and look up. &nbsp;Look to Him and be reminded of all the promises of God. &nbsp;Be reminded of His love for you and that our God is alive and powerful. &nbsp;Be comforted to know the Lord can fill your heart with His peace despite what is happening around you. &nbsp;Let the truth of God and His very words ring out loudly in your hearts and lives. &nbsp;Let His voice speak louder than the fears, doubts or any uncertainties that you may be experiencing in your life right now. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: , &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;times&quot; , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><b><i>Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. &nbsp;John 14:27</i></b></span>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-45356693960689495092015-07-10T03:00:00.001-07:002015-07-10T08:48:32.607-07:00Matters Of the Heart<div><br /></div><div>I wanted to write and share some things that have been happening lately.&nbsp; It’s not a typical update-more a journal of thoughts.&nbsp; It’s long so I am posting as a blog post rather than a regular update. <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Anyway, God has really been doing a lot in my heart and mind over the past years since being in Italy.&nbsp;&nbsp; Before we moved, I thought it was going to be heavenly-the picture most of us have of Italians is overly friendly, always inviting you over for something to eat, hospitable, etc.&nbsp; I truly imagined that within a year I would be fluent in Italian and trying to keep up with my planner with so many invites.&nbsp; Ha ha, was I ever setting myself up for disappointment and serious disillusionment.</div><div></div><div>When we arrived there was the curious neighbor or two peeking through their window across the way as we would walk through our kitchen.&nbsp; Thankfully I knew how to say ‘ciao’ but quickly discovered that you only say that when you know a person well.&nbsp; Jim was actually rebuked at the toll place because he said ‘ciao’ to the guy.&nbsp; It was quite strange and we were left wondering where were these friendly Italians!&nbsp;&nbsp; I soon discovered that though we lived in a neighborhood, people went to work in the morning, came home and went inside.&nbsp; I was perplexed!&nbsp; After a while, we realized there is a huge difference between the north of Italy and the south of Italy.&nbsp; It is a bit like California in many ways with the differences between north and south.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>For the first few years we would pray and try to start some program, some outreach, some something-anything that would bring people to church.&nbsp; We started out on Saturday evenings and were overly excited when the Lord opened up a place for us to have church service on Sunday mornings.&nbsp; Once again-our expectations were so high, only to be brought down to the lowest point.&nbsp; We realized that most would come on Saturday evening because they either went somewhere else on Sunday morning or didn’t have to wake up on Sunday morning for church.&nbsp; Here in Italy most children go to school until 1pm on Saturday so Sunday am is the day to sleep in.&nbsp; Once again, we were asking God why, what, how, etc.&nbsp; We were barely hanging on by a thread.&nbsp; Thankfully, we know that it’s ok to hang on to Jesus by only a thread.&nbsp; When the world, even the church, looks at you as failures when you are hanging on by a thread, Jesus is well pleased that you didn’t just cut the thread off, rather used it to cling to Him.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I remember one particular Sunday leaving church and burst into tears.&nbsp; I looked at Jim and said ‘I just can’t do this anymore’.&nbsp; You see, in Hungary, though we had our share of challenges, we really didn’t have much of a problem ministering to people.&nbsp;&nbsp; Hungary, though many are Catholic, there are also many Protestants.&nbsp; We also had the poor and needy, we had those who would come and listen.&nbsp; Some stayed and grew in their relationship with the Lord, some chose not to.&nbsp; But, the difference was, it wasn’t so difficult to invite them to come and see.&nbsp; One person begat another after being set free and we were thrilled to see God work in so many lives.&nbsp; We couldn’t find people to come and see here in Padova.&nbsp; We would make up flyers, sometimes using the last euro we had for another two weeks, only to see them crumbled up and splattered across the ground.&nbsp; Our hearts sank and we wondered so often if God’s money couldn’t be better used elsewhere.&nbsp; We just couldn’t seem to get the people to care enough to engage in conversation or even be curious enough to come to a Sunday service.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Lo and behold, one day Marla and I were walking in the city center and we saw a poster on the window of a Bar.&nbsp; It was for an English Club that met once a week where everyone was invited to come and practice speaking English.&nbsp; It was quite interesting and I went home to tell Jim about it.&nbsp; Of course when it came time to go, I decided that the word ‘bar’ prohibited this pastor’s wife from going.&nbsp; “What would people think if they knew I went to a bar?”&nbsp; “How could I possibly carry on a conversation with someone, even if it was in English, at a bar?” These and other fears kept me from going.&nbsp; I told Jim he could go check it out if he wanted but there was no way this girl was going to be around such a crowd of people.&nbsp; He went, came home, and couldn’t say enough good things about it.&nbsp; He said there were about 100 people all ages, from many countries and it was great.&nbsp; A bar here is so much different than what we thought of.&nbsp; It is a sandwich place and people may drink one thing through the evening if anything.&nbsp; So different than what we considered a bar atmosphere.&nbsp; Needless to say, I joined him the following week and was amazed.&nbsp; It was so fun and a pleasant environment.&nbsp; The people we met actually wanted to speak to us and Jim was able to share the Gospel with those he felt God sending his way.&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Over the last year and a half, the Lord has taught me so much.&nbsp; All my Christian life, I never really had to go outside the church for fellowship.&nbsp; Within the busyness of church functions there wasn’t a need to go out and meet unsaved people.&nbsp; There was enough to do with the church.&nbsp; It was good-very good and I grew so much.&nbsp; I loved women’s ministry and still do.&nbsp; I love discipling other women.&nbsp; I love all that ministry involves in this way.&nbsp; But, I hadn’t had to go outside the church until we moved to Padova.&nbsp; In my mind, it was going to be the same as Hungary.&nbsp; People would come and want to be discipled, then bring their friends and the chain would continue.&nbsp; But no....it wasn’t going to be this way and I was so distraught.&nbsp; I cannot tell you how many times I cried, how many times I wanted to quit, to give up being in ministry all together and just ‘be a Christian’ and have my husband have a ‘normal’ job and we could be the ones writing checks to others once again.&nbsp; Yes, it may sound alarming and unfaithful to some, but that is where I was at.&nbsp; I could no longer see the reason God would have us in a place where no one was interested.&nbsp; I thought of all the horrid things some had said about us in the past and started to believe that oh yes, they must have been right and we are worthless, useless.&nbsp; I tried so, so hard to beg God to just take us away from this place.&nbsp; He never allowed it to happen.&nbsp; Fleece after fleece was being met by Him and to be honest, at times I was disappointed that He provided the fleece because I thought ‘oh no, here we go again-is it a trick”?&nbsp; God had a plan and it would be His way, His timing.&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>God showed me that no two places are alike.&nbsp; Through the English Club I started meeting quite a few people.&nbsp; Ladies who were my age and even some younger.&nbsp; I was excited but nervous.&nbsp; From the start, they knew why Jim and I were here and what we were all about.&nbsp; It was so awesome to see week after week when we were at the bar how the same people would come talk to Jim even knowing he was going to be talking about the Lord.&nbsp; Now when some see him they call out ‘hey pastor, I really need to talk to you one of these days’.&nbsp; We have been able to see a guy who is about Jim’s age, tell him the first night they met ‘well, I am an atheist’ and yet he has come to our home for meals, went to events we had with church and now for the first time has actually come to a church service.&nbsp; “you make it sound so simple Jim” he said!&nbsp; Yes!!! It is that simple!!!&nbsp; Another gal we met from there has been coming to church and telling her friends about what she is learning.&nbsp; Others will come when we have special events, even at Easter we had many come.&nbsp; I am learning patience.&nbsp; Learning that it is up to God to do the work in the lives of others while I need to be willing to be out of my comfort zone and go and do as He leads.&nbsp; We have learned that God indeed has a plan for the place He has called us to but we had to allow Him to take the old wineskins of our thinking and allow Him to give us new ones.&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>This past week has been exceptional.&nbsp; Two ladies I met at the English Club both invited me out different times during this week and ended up pouring out their heart to me.&nbsp; Each said they really liked that my life seems so simple and it’s different than most they know.&nbsp; God so graciously allowed me to insert His grace and love in our conversation and I am thrilled.&nbsp; In the past, I would have given up on them a long time ago.&nbsp; They have come to our ladies Tea and a couple events but one has not come to Sunday service.&nbsp; In the past, I would have sadly written her off as one not interested and tried to move on to someone new.&nbsp; But God!&nbsp; His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. His timing is not my timing.&nbsp; Oh what I would have missed out on had I been my old self.&nbsp; What I would be missing out on right now had I allowed my fears to take over because or the word 'bar'. &nbsp; Most all the friendships Jim and I have now, most all the people who come to the church events, are those we have met through this English Club!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>One of the biggest things the Lord has shown me these past few months is not to judge the work by who shows up on Sundays.&nbsp; As I read through the Gospels there is very little mentioned about a Sunday service and what was going on ‘in the church’.&nbsp; Jesus’s ministry was everywhere.&nbsp; He was up on a hill teaching, in a boat, by a well, in peoples’ homes, at a beach bbq.&nbsp; Not all of our ministries are going to look alike and I have learned that that is ok.&nbsp; I am one who has the tendency to look around at others and compare myself to them.&nbsp; You can imagine that that only leads to depression and destruction of heart.&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>It is a slow process, but I can say that we see the fruits of the labor.&nbsp; I cannot imagine that I wanted to give up and yet God was so very faithful and didn’t let us quit.&nbsp; I know that God loves the people here and we love being His servants.&nbsp; I love that He doesn’t think like the world and say we are too old or can’t be used by Him.&nbsp; I love that He loves us and loves to shake our world at times to show us that it really is all about Him-that we don’t get to a point in our lives where we&nbsp; have this ‘Christian Ministry’ down to a tee and think we could do it in our sleep.&nbsp; God help us when our thoughts go there!!!&nbsp; May we never think, no matter how long we have served Him, that there isn’t something different He wants to teach us, to show us.&nbsp; Our work truly must be all about Him and the only way it can be all about Him is when He is in control.&nbsp; He is taking the lead and we are willingly laying down not only our lives, but our way of thinking and doing so that His work can be accomplished.</div><div></div><br /><div>I pray that through my struggles, doubts and fears that some may be strengthened and know that it’s never too late to surrender to Him.&nbsp; Whether it be your desires, your thoughts, your plans, your way of doing what you’re used to, or even clinging to what you know.&nbsp; Don’t try to stick with what you know.&nbsp; If you are right now holding onto a thread that is ok.&nbsp; He will take that thread and make something beautiful out of it if you let Him.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for us, the ministry here and the lives God has intertwined with ours. &nbsp;Pray that we would always be clay in the hands of our gracious and loving Potter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDcIq1VLyM4/VZ-XrA4q2WI/AAAAAAAAArU/35smodugrKw/s1600/phil46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDcIq1VLyM4/VZ-XrA4q2WI/AAAAAAAAArU/35smodugrKw/s320/phil46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-39290279054676663242015-06-01T07:05:00.001-07:002015-06-01T15:15:03.746-07:00UpdateGreetings to all!<br /><br />When I was younger I used to laugh when I heard people ask 'where did the time go?'. &nbsp;Now, I understand. &nbsp;It seems like the days, weeks and months just hurry before our eyes. &nbsp;One moment we are complaining about how cold it is and the next it is time to get the fans out of the garage. &nbsp;We have been quite busy but it has been a good busy.<br /><br />The last few months Jim has worked so hard getting the church in order along with Franco and Rosa. &nbsp;The kitchen was put together and thanks to 'YouTube', Jim could do the plumbing himself and also put in a burner and oven. &nbsp;We are good to go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AabPtl39cPE/VWxbgeKf3uI/AAAAAAAAAnE/5iQtluEEZ3I/s1600/2015-05-19%2B18.52.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AabPtl39cPE/VWxbgeKf3uI/AAAAAAAAAnE/5iQtluEEZ3I/s320/2015-05-19%2B18.52.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;">can you believe this stainless sink was set out for the trash! &nbsp;Good thing Jim spotted it :)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmN2vwyJkn4/VWxbnCvc4NI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sJMyzBhJBWA/s1600/2015-05-19%2B18.52.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmN2vwyJkn4/VWxbnCvc4NI/AAAAAAAAAnM/sJMyzBhJBWA/s320/2015-05-19%2B18.52.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We had Easter at the church which was wonderful! &nbsp;Doug and Rose Martin were here and Doug helped Jim get things set up so we could enjoy Easter lunch after service at the church. &nbsp;We are thankful they use their holiday time to come visit us each Easter! &nbsp;We invited a few friends and they came out to join us. &nbsp;It was a great day and the Gospel of Hope went out with love. &nbsp;We pray the seeds that were planted will continue to be watered and eventually sprout up to new life in Christ with those who heard the message. &nbsp;We also had a great visit the following week with Mark and Renata Nigro. &nbsp;Mark is now teaching at bible college in Murietta and he brought a group of students over for a time of outreach in some of our cities here in Italy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC1Gbmwt8Ec/VWxrg56B6AI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/jLMDIrhCeUI/s1600/11127232_10152856389817426_1981883736082895050_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC1Gbmwt8Ec/VWxrg56B6AI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/jLMDIrhCeUI/s320/11127232_10152856389817426_1981883736082895050_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XyxvYtMyYg/VWxc-EFVfMI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mKmvXam-6ac/s1600/2015-04-05%2B13.44.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XyxvYtMyYg/VWxc-EFVfMI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mKmvXam-6ac/s320/2015-04-05%2B13.44.43.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJsl9YvMI9A/VWxcwOQgFHI/AAAAAAAAAno/GjiQunjrM1A/s1600/2015-04-05%2B16.23.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJsl9YvMI9A/VWxcwOQgFHI/AAAAAAAAAno/GjiQunjrM1A/s320/2015-04-05%2B16.23.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;">my lovely friends Ornella and Emanuela</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd9Fbk_jNIQ/VWxcoHTJj8I/AAAAAAAAAng/YKhwVma0dSw/s1600/2015-04-07%2B09.46.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd9Fbk_jNIQ/VWxcoHTJj8I/AAAAAAAAAng/YKhwVma0dSw/s320/2015-04-07%2B09.46.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Edney-such a wonderful servant of the Lord</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVC90oUVk8Y/VWxddTTHl8I/AAAAAAAAAn4/YBXju1_uoCQ/s1600/2015-04-07%2B09.46.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVC90oUVk8Y/VWxddTTHl8I/AAAAAAAAAn4/YBXju1_uoCQ/s320/2015-04-07%2B09.46.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Easter Sunday&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1BmdwjBk9Q/VWxddv9OXrI/AAAAAAAAAn8/DnNmAkGg_3Q/s1600/2015-04-07%2B09.46.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1BmdwjBk9Q/VWxddv9OXrI/AAAAAAAAAn8/DnNmAkGg_3Q/s320/2015-04-07%2B09.46.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A few weeks later we hosted a Mexican food evening. &nbsp;A few students from the bible college came down and we enjoyed a night of meeting new people and sharing the love of Christ with those in attendance. &nbsp;One of the university students who came is Paolo. &nbsp;He is getting his Masters in Physics and is also the Italian Rubik Cube Champion! &nbsp;He and Jim corresponded a few times after that night and now Paolo is attending church on Sundays. &nbsp;He is very interested in the Bible and even asked Jim which 3 books he would recommend for him to read first! &nbsp;So exciting!<br /><br />We have really been blessed with the friends we have met through the English Club here in Padova. &nbsp;Each time we host an event at the church we invite many/all to come and each time about 8-10 show up. &nbsp;From that, we have now had 3 people start coming to the church. &nbsp;It's such an encouragement. &nbsp;We are able to see the faithfulness of God to keep our friendships with these people without having to compromise who we are or in whom we believe. <br /><br />The past couple days we have been able to host Rob Nash and an young guy Steven who is interning at CC Vista at our home. &nbsp;It is always great to have friends visit and encourage us in the ministry. &nbsp;Last night, Rob shared Simply the Story at the church. &nbsp;He shared from David and Goliath and the interaction was phenomenal! &nbsp;He had everyone's attention-from the young child on up to us older ones. &nbsp;We all enjoyed learning this way of storytelling and bringing out different facts to think about and apply to our own lives. &nbsp;Afterwards, we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and food with our friends from CC Treviso and CC Ferarra. &nbsp;Denae, Bethany, Lorenzo and Steven led worship which was so sweet. &nbsp;Jim and I were both overjoyed that so many from these two churches came out to join us and support not only CC Padova, but our guest as well. It was such a great night and I know the Lord was smiling down upon His people.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwSUS5GNxwA/VWxgoVFX4WI/AAAAAAAAAog/dmsmGDP74lo/s1600/2015-05-31%2B18.35.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwSUS5GNxwA/VWxgoVFX4WI/AAAAAAAAAog/dmsmGDP74lo/s320/2015-05-31%2B18.35.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Steven, Denae, Jim, Bethany and Lorenzo&nbsp;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qQZ9k6L03U/VWxgi1Buv7I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/UYtYh4NUJ0Y/s1600/2015-05-31%2B19.00.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qQZ9k6L03U/VWxgi1Buv7I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/UYtYh4NUJ0Y/s320/2015-05-31%2B19.00.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Lorenzo and Rob&nbsp;</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9hNhlqd4c0/VWxhxzbtXWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/v4FX0weMNtw/s1600/2015-05-31%2B19.00.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9hNhlqd4c0/VWxhxzbtXWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/v4FX0weMNtw/s320/2015-05-31%2B19.00.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHQh4fOe-k/VWxhyEsnW5I/AAAAAAAAAo4/XJJP50SnknA/s1600/2015-05-31%2B19.00.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHQh4fOe-k/VWxhyEsnW5I/AAAAAAAAAo4/XJJP50SnknA/s320/2015-05-31%2B19.00.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENSY_QcPSVA/VWxh873828I/AAAAAAAAApE/uRlOcl3ROAk/s1600/2015-05-31%2B19.04.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENSY_QcPSVA/VWxh873828I/AAAAAAAAApE/uRlOcl3ROAk/s320/2015-05-31%2B19.04.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gALsr2Gtjoo/VWxiO02mBXI/AAAAAAAAApQ/TL7tOobquDs/s1600/2015-05-31%2B19.21.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gALsr2Gtjoo/VWxiO02mBXI/AAAAAAAAApQ/TL7tOobquDs/s320/2015-05-31%2B19.21.50.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94MMMjEmHAE/VWxiOn2v__I/AAAAAAAAApM/l2IUF7rwTWE/s1600/2015-05-31%2B20.17.04-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94MMMjEmHAE/VWxiOn2v__I/AAAAAAAAApM/l2IUF7rwTWE/s320/2015-05-31%2B20.17.04-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Praying good things for this guy :)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p4VoqiakBk/VWxgjw4cbpI/AAAAAAAAAoY/8yF4igWX59Y/s1600/2015-05-31%2B18.33.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p4VoqiakBk/VWxgjw4cbpI/AAAAAAAAAoY/8yF4igWX59Y/s320/2015-05-31%2B18.33.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />So, &nbsp;do you see a theme here? &nbsp;We invite people, share the Word, eat and enjoy fellowship! &nbsp;It's Acts 2:42 and we love it! &nbsp;We have found that when we have an event and share food, the people come out. &nbsp;Praise God for His provision that enables us to do this and prayerfully will continue to do so. <br /><br />The women's leadership conference in Portugal was awesome! &nbsp;We had a great time in God's Word, meeting new friends, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and seaside. &nbsp;Thanks to all who prayed for this event and we are already looking forward to next year's time together. &nbsp;Our teachings from Romans 12:9-13 were each challenging, encouraging and heart-searching. &nbsp;It was a great blessing to attend CC Lagoa and see the amazing work the Lord is doing through Jon and Laura and others. &nbsp;They have a ministry to the homeless each week and they are seeing God work miracles in the lives of drug addicts, prostitutes and the homeless. &nbsp;People are getting saved, reading the Word and now some are even getting jobs! &nbsp;It's so great to see the Lord change peoples' lives!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlqt_iPeg7Y/VWxlJ_FGt1I/AAAAAAAAApw/yaYAeUaMV3g/s1600/2015-05-16%2B18.03.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlqt_iPeg7Y/VWxlJ_FGt1I/AAAAAAAAApw/yaYAeUaMV3g/s320/2015-05-16%2B18.03.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;">When Leaders Lead In Europe</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3URTQ025zJg/VWxlKfSJg8I/AAAAAAAAAp0/do7wBSC2tDg/s1600/2015-05-16%2B18.05.16-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3URTQ025zJg/VWxlKfSJg8I/AAAAAAAAAp0/do7wBSC2tDg/s320/2015-05-16%2B18.05.16-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue;">So much fun!!!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GY9vzWVa3c/VWxlE2UxVzI/AAAAAAAAApo/Bw3m9Rwu8IM/s1600/2015-05-16%2B18.07.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GY9vzWVa3c/VWxlE2UxVzI/AAAAAAAAApo/Bw3m9Rwu8IM/s320/2015-05-16%2B18.07.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Jim will be going to Germany to help with an English Camp at the end of July, early August. &nbsp;He is also having some band guys from Hungary come over to Padova to hopefully play some concerts one of the weekends. <br /><br />We want to thank all who pray and support us and those who support our building rent. &nbsp;It was such a step of faith-not only for us, but also those coming alongside of us. &nbsp;Thank you for hearing from the Lord and helping us with this. &nbsp;In such a few months, we have been able to do so much now that we have a building to meet in any day and any time we choose. &nbsp;It's incredible! <br /><br />We have a list of ideas and plans for September once the students are back at University. &nbsp;English club, Student Nights, are just a couple of the ideas. &nbsp;Please pray that God would give us His wisdom on what to do and how to best do these things. &nbsp;We don't want to just do things for the sake of doing them. &nbsp;We want the Holy Spirit to guide and direct all of what we do.<br /><br />Please keep our daughter Marla in your prayers as she has one more year before graduating with her Masters Degree in Non Profit Management. &nbsp;She is working in Milano and taking her courses online. &nbsp;She has been doing so well and we are very proud of her. &nbsp;Please pray that the Lord would work things out for her in the next year to move back to the US and that she would find a good job and a place to live. &nbsp;She has been a tremendous help to Jim and me-especially to me as I am not as mobile due to my back issues. <br /><br />As many of you know, we have our annual Missions Conference coming up in August. &nbsp;It is often the highlight of our year as we get to listen to so many encouraging teachings, catch up with our friends who are serving in different countries throughout Europe and just relax in the beauty that surrounds us in Milstatt. &nbsp;We really are quite spoiled for the week as we don't have to clean, do dishes, set up chairs, teach Sunday School etc. &nbsp;A team comes each year and has a VBS for all the missionary children and they are able to have so much fun with their friends. <br /><br />I want to ask you to please pray for a special family that is so close to our hearts. &nbsp;They don't get outside support so things are really difficult financially for them. &nbsp;They are a family of four and would really be blessed to attend the conference this year. &nbsp;Would you please pray that they would be able to attend. &nbsp;If the Lord puts it on your heart to donate towards the cost please let me know. &nbsp;They would need airfare, car rental (it's 4 hours from the airport) and then of course the conference fees for their family. &nbsp;They don't really get much outside fellowship and the conference would be so good for them. &nbsp;They have been blessed to attend a couple times and I know that they would all greatly benefit from being able to attend again this year. &nbsp;It's been 'one of those years'. &nbsp;Thank you for praying for them and seeking the Lord how you might be able to help them out.<br /><br />We thank you all for your love, prayers and financial support. &nbsp;It's in thanks to your faithfulness that we are able to minister here in Padova and continue reaching out to the many here who so desperately need to know the truth and love of Jesus. &nbsp;Pray for those who are still hardened and stubborn that as we allow the light of Jesus to shine in and through us that they would see Him, desire to know Him and then walk with Him daily. &nbsp;Please continue in prayer also that the Lord would bring a few people to come serve alongside of us here at CC Padova. &nbsp;We really need some help :)<br /><br />To God be the glory for the great things He has done!<br />In love,<br />Jim and Margie<br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">If you would like to be a part of supporting us financially there are a couple ways you can do so:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Send a check to with a memo stating it's for Jim Stewart CC Padova to:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Calvary Chapel Vista</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">885 E Vista Way</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Vista, CA 92084</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">OR you can give via online donations at either of the two websites. &nbsp;Just be sure to scroll to designate for Missions/Jim Stewart</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Go to&nbsp;</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">OR</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><a href="https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><i>All donations are tax deductible</i></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-43884811326241059012015-03-06T05:20:00.002-08:002015-03-06T06:26:31.509-08:00Update/Prayer Requests<div><br /></div><div><div>Dear Friends,</div><div></div><div>Sorry it has been awhile since writing with news about life here in Padova.&nbsp; It’s been a strange winter for us with both Jim and I going back and forth getting sick.&nbsp; I was ill in January and then Jim returned from a Pastor’s conference in Austria with a fever and sickness.&nbsp; Shortly after, I started feeling poorly myself once again and it has now turned into bronchitis.&nbsp; Thankfully today seems to be less coughing and my nose and I are friends once again <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="file:///C:/Users/Caligal/AppData/Local/Temp/wlmail-433777574/supfilesDC5FCF/wlEmoticon-smile%5B1%5D.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />&nbsp;:)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Our new church building is great!&nbsp; We are so blessed and the location of it couldn’t be better.&nbsp; We are in the area where many university students live and hang out.&nbsp; There is great opportunity for using our building to reach out and invite them to come join us.&nbsp; Jim is busy trying to set the kitchen up and once that happens we are going to have a night where we make food and invite the students to come hang out and chat with us.&nbsp; We know Jesus loved sharing meals with people and it is especially a good way to reach the young ones who miss Mom’s cooking!&nbsp; <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>We have had a couple new people come to the church.&nbsp; It’s been a neat blessing to have them with us.&nbsp; One of the guys is from the base in Vicenza.&nbsp; He showed up one Sunday asking ‘Is this church?’&nbsp; Sure is buddy!!!&nbsp; He was excited to have found us and we were thankful he made the 45 minute drive! &nbsp;Another guy, Franco, is a fairly new believer but so on fire for Jesus.&nbsp; He went with Jim to the leadership conference in Austria and has such a desire for the things of the Lord.&nbsp; He has a real servant’s heart and is always there to help Jim. &nbsp;He has been out of work for a long time and just the other week found a part-time job!&nbsp; Such a praise and blessing for him and his wife.&nbsp; Please pray for Joseph, a guy from Nigeria, to also find some work.&nbsp; </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNRo63HPiR8/VPmjSnhjGFI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/hjqiSAuLbsI/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNRo63HPiR8/VPmjSnhjGFI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/hjqiSAuLbsI/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytvDSbJelDA/VPmjR_NYEkI/AAAAAAAAAmM/E-QWPP99xFs/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytvDSbJelDA/VPmjR_NYEkI/AAAAAAAAAmM/E-QWPP99xFs/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">J<i>im sharing music at the English Club Carnevale Celebration in Padova</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div></div><div>We are praying about English conversation classes in the building since so many students learn English in most of the European countries.&nbsp; I am also praying about having a class for elementary children.&nbsp; This would also help with meeting parents and perhaps having another VBS this summer.&nbsp; We are within walking distance of the park so the location is perfect for VBS.&nbsp; Also, English film night and a worship night.&nbsp; These are just a few ways we have been wanting to reach out.&nbsp; Pray that God would give us wisdom as to how to move forward.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Jim has been teaching through Romans on Sundays and it has been such a blessed time in the Word.&nbsp; God is using the study to remind us the foundations our faith is built upon.&nbsp; Since we have new believers God has led Jim to parallel the OT teachings and it’s been just wonderful.&nbsp; Franco is going to record the Italian part so that we can put the teachings on the website.&nbsp; We pray that God will use this as a way to bring more people to know Him and join the fellowship.</div><div></div><div>We are now praying about Easter service and the best way to reach out to the community.&nbsp; We are praying to be able to put together a worship band and perhaps have the service outside like we did last year.&nbsp; If the kitchen is finished we will invite everyone to join us for Easter lunch at the church-if not, perhaps at the park or our home. &nbsp;Our dear friends Doug and Rose will be heading this way for our annual visit. &nbsp;It's always a wonderful time of fellowship and refreshment. &nbsp;Please keep them in prayer as this year they will be flying first to Nigeria for the 10 year anniversary of the church plant they were a part of from the beginning. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ssMcy896hI/VPmjzuqboQI/AAAAAAAAAmc/YUW7XCJHw4M/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ssMcy896hI/VPmjzuqboQI/AAAAAAAAAmc/YUW7XCJHw4M/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmVRsjZt6nQ/VPmj1kZkpSI/AAAAAAAAAmk/WdxvN7_sLOk/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmVRsjZt6nQ/VPmj1kZkpSI/AAAAAAAAAmk/WdxvN7_sLOk/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bought 3 sign enclosures to put up so everyone can see what is happening at the church :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">We will be having some students from different bible colleges come to help out a bit this Spring. &nbsp;We are praying they will be able to share the love of Jesus with those in the area We look forward to seeing how the Lord is going to use them in Padova! <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I am going to be helping with a retreat in Portugal this coming May.&nbsp; My friend Laura is the pastor’s wife there and the Lord has provided an incredible retreat center for them overlooking the beautiful ocean.&nbsp; Laura had it on her heart to start a When Leaders Lead In Europe Retreat and I am blessed to be helping her with the event.&nbsp; Our teachings this year are taken from Romans 12:9-13&nbsp; We will have pastor’s wives and leaders throughout Europe teaching and also attending.&nbsp; Please pray that all those desiring to attend would have the finances for the airfare-including me.&nbsp; If it’s something you would like to help out with, please email and let me know.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>On a personal note, I would like to ask for prayer as I have some doctor appointments and tests that need to be done.&nbsp; I have had to put them off because of being ill but hopefully next week I can get started on them.&nbsp; A couple of tests are a &nbsp;bit concerning and nerve wracking so please pray I would just have peace and not be anxious while awaiting the results. Also, I know this may sound silly, but would you pray God would provide for us to get our teeth worked on.&nbsp; I have had 2 teeth break this last month.&nbsp; I need quite a few teeth replaced and probably implants.&nbsp; Jim is also cracking his teeth and needs some implant work.&nbsp; We found a place to go here in Padova that has a good reputation but dental is not covered under the National Insurance here.&nbsp; </div><div></div><div>As always, we thank you with sincere hearts for&nbsp; your prayers, your friendship and your support.&nbsp; We are in this together-we just happen to be the ones on this soil.&nbsp; We are so appreciative for each of you and the part you take in partnering with us and CC Padova.&nbsp; </div><div><br /></div><div>Until He Appears!</div>Jim and Margie<br /><div><br /><div>If you would like to be a part of supporting us financially there are a couple ways you can do so:</div><div><br /></div><div>Send a check to with a memo stating it's for Jim Stewart CC Padova to:</div><div>Calvary Chapel Vista</div><div>885 E Vista Way</div><div>Vista, CA 92084</div><div><br /></div><div>OR you can give via online donations at either of the two websites. &nbsp;Just be sure to scroll to designate for Missions/Jim Stewart</div><div>Go to&nbsp;</div><div><a href="https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673">https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCVista/4673</a></div><div><br /></div><div>OR</div><div><a href="https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give">https://ccsb.webconnex.com/give</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>All donations are tax deductible</i></div><div><br /></div></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-38995184348035256342014-09-17T12:58:00.003-07:002014-09-17T12:58:58.728-07:00Update and Prayer Requests<div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We had a wonderful time in Austria at the Missions Conference.&nbsp; We always say how great and encouraging they are but this year had such a sense of refreshment and this call to go forward in whatever God is calling you in.&nbsp; The messages and the fellowship were awesome!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We have been meeting at the park again this summer.&nbsp; It’s been good and though no one new has joined us, it’s interesting how many people are hearing the Word and the worship.&nbsp; There are some regular people who are there each Sunday reading their papers or utilizing the free WiFi that we continue to pray to join us.&nbsp; Leno, the manager of the park is wonderful to us.&nbsp; Last week he had music playing when we arrived and turned it off so it wouldn’t disturb our study time.&nbsp; We keep praying he will get saved and trust the Lord that one of these days he will!!&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">As you know we have been praying fervently for a permanent place for the church.&nbsp; We haven’t had this since being in Padova.&nbsp; It looks like we found the right place.&nbsp; As we took time to pray, wanting to hurry but sensing the Lord telling us to wait patiently, we found a place smack in the middle where most of the University students are.&nbsp; We prayed a lot about the location-in one sense we wanted a place that was family friendly.&nbsp; But with our experience we have seen that tradition plays a huge role in the older generation and though they don’t even attend their traditional church, to come to a Protestant church is not something they are comfortable with.&nbsp; We have had some couples start coming but we sense that God is leading us to go all out with the University students.&nbsp; There are still families in the area and of course the park is right up the street so we will have plenty of opportunity for outreach.&nbsp; The building has a small yard and also a terrace.&nbsp; There is a room that we will be able to put a little kitchen area in also.&nbsp; One of the things we want to do is to have women’s and men’s meetings each month or every other week-but with a meal.&nbsp; There seems to be more of a turn out when we invite people to a bible study with a meal.&nbsp; Perhaps it sounds less threatening to them.&nbsp; Either that or they want to find out if Americans can cook <img alt="Smile" height="19" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.png@01CFD275.6C496670" width="19" />&nbsp; We are also praying about having a weekly Thursday Taco Night....something like that for the students –as a way to get them familiar with us.&nbsp; All the things we have in mind are up to the Lord and we want to hear from Him what He would have us do.&nbsp; It would be nice to say that we can just meet people on the street, share the Gospel with they show up for church-we still pray that to happen but so far it hasn’t so we are seeking the Lord as to ways we can reach out to our community.&nbsp; Please pray also for laborers.&nbsp; We would really love to have some young people come alongside us as we reach the college students.&nbsp; The ability to lead worship is an added plus.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We have seen the difference it has made with the other CC churches here and pray that God would put it on some hearts to come to Padova to help for a season.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In a couple weeks I (Margie) will be flying to CA.&nbsp; I am so excited since I haven’t been for over 2 yrs. now.&nbsp; I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!&nbsp; I do have need to borrow a car while I am there so if anyone has one available please let me know.&nbsp; I have one to use for 2 weeks mid Oct so beginning and end of Oct is needed as is a couple weeks in November.&nbsp;&nbsp; Please email or private message me via facebook if you can help me out with a vehicle.&nbsp; I promise not to drive like we do here in Italy!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Next weekend we head to Munich, Germany.&nbsp; Jim’s been asked to lead the worship for their church conference so we will be driving there Fri-Sun.&nbsp; After a 6 hr drive home next Sunday, I need to catch a 6:45am flight on Monday so please keep all that travel in prayer for us please.&nbsp; I have MRI’s, dr appts and a girl’s discipleship class to teach next week too so it’s going to be a busy week.&nbsp; Thankfully Marla is taking the week off to come and help out.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We appreciate your prayers so much.&nbsp; So many of you stand in the gap for us and the ministry here in Padova.&nbsp; It has been a long, difficult few years but God has always told us that we are to continue on in the work here,&nbsp; keep pressing on, and so we have obeyed even when we had no more tears left and thought of every reason to move on from here.&nbsp; And now, He has renewed our hearts, given us fresh vision and an excitement of things to come.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Please pray also for Franco and Rosa.&nbsp; They are both new Christians and on fire.&nbsp; They are a little older than we are and have been such a big help.&nbsp; Also pray for Michelle and Gianni-they live about an hour away and it’s expensive for them to come since they are on a pension but they are such a sweet part of the fellowship.&nbsp; Joseph is from Nigeria.&nbsp; He is looking for work and I tell you-he tries so hard every day to find work.&nbsp;&nbsp; Please pray that God will open something up for him.&nbsp; He is a real neat guy.&nbsp; Pray for those we meet and share God’s Word with, but they haven’t made the decision for Christ yet.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">So looking forward to talking to you in person!!&nbsp; Thank you for your prayers, your love and financial support.&nbsp; We are all in this together!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-17442876801797044812014-09-13T02:25:00.000-07:002014-09-13T02:27:37.683-07:00102 MinutesYes, I am alive, no I haven't written here in a long time! &nbsp;Now that that's out of the way....<br /><br />(Disclosure-I am not good at Math lol. &nbsp;I thought I calculated correctly between the first plane attack and the last and came up with 81 minutes. &nbsp;I decided to Google it and CNN states it was 102 minutes)<br /><br />On September 11th, I went into town to the 9/11 Memorial we have here in Padova. &nbsp;I went to pray, to reflect and catch a glimpse of what others were doing on that day. &nbsp;As the train schedule would have it, I was at the site at the exact times the World Trade Center was hit. &nbsp;Two wreaths were beautifully placed at the memorial. &nbsp;One with a ribbon from the City of Padova, the other from the Vincenza Army Base. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQRN36psH7c/VBP8eSjaBCI/AAAAAAAAAlg/m-9cvTha-Co/s1600/9111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQRN36psH7c/VBP8eSjaBCI/AAAAAAAAAlg/m-9cvTha-Co/s1600/9111.jpg" /></a>I arrived solemn, tears for the victims and their families, and anger as I looked at the piece of structure from the site that was hoisted at the Memorial. &nbsp;Evil. &nbsp;Evil had struck and taken the lives of thousands of people. &nbsp;Evil showed its ugly face that day. <br /><br />Around me were a group of high school boys walking down the ramp and around the back of the Memorial to sit and smoke their cigarettes. &nbsp;One couple touring Padova walked down to take photos. &nbsp;Two gals who were obviously a couple, giggling loudly as they shared their time together. &nbsp;That was it. &nbsp;It would appear to have been any other day.<br /><br />While at home, I watched some footage from the actual morning of Sept. 11, 2001. &nbsp;It was interesting to hear the TV hosts speak about what a gorgeous day it was that September morning. &nbsp;One weatherman even commented on how it was a quiet day, nothing much happening in the country. <br /><br />People on their way to work, Moms getting their children out the door and into school, people running to chase their bus, their train. &nbsp;Others off to a late start and upset that they are going to be late to work. &nbsp;Passengers on airplanes looking forward to seeing loved ones once they reach their destination. &nbsp;Lovers kissing each other goodbye with the assurance they will see one another later that evening. <br /><br />And then, something happened that would change the lives of so many forever. &nbsp;Something so unexpected and shocking. &nbsp;A catastrophe that would alter our world as we know it.<br /><br />102 minutes that would be used to kill, rob and destroy. 102 minutes that the world would stare at in unbelief. 102 minutes that we thought would never end. &nbsp;102 minutes of unknown, fear and tragedy. 102 minutes that would live on in the memory of all of us for the rest of our lives.<br /><br />After awhile, I walked around our city, watching people scurry about to their destinations, stopping for coffee, going in and out of various shops looking to buy the latest fashion. All seemed normal, typical, nothing earth shattering was going on around us. <br /><br />Naturally my thoughts turned to the Rapture. &nbsp;The day when Jesus will return for His church and take those that are His with Him. &nbsp;It's going to be a day just like the September 11, 2001 and just like September 11, 2014. &nbsp;A day that seems like any other day. &nbsp;A day where for many there is no forethought that something life altering may occur. &nbsp;A day where people will be eating and drinking, making plans for the weekend, picking out the perfect blouse...........and then...............something happens. &nbsp;A trumpet will sound. &nbsp;Will everyone hear it? &nbsp;I don't really know. <br /><br />The news media went on for days, weeks, even months about the 102 minutes on that September day. &nbsp;They brought in all kinds of analysts, experts, and anyone else willing to discuss the hows and the whys of that day. &nbsp;Everyone had their own opinions and thoughts. &nbsp;Questions asked about how to prepare for such a tragedy, how do you move on, and of course....how did we not know?<br /><br />I can only imagine the day of the Rapture. &nbsp;The news media sitting around their desks, trying to bring in as many 'experts' as they can find to try to explain the phenomenon of what occurred. <br /><br />The saddest is going to be those that do know what happened. &nbsp;Those that were warned and yet didn't heed the warning. &nbsp;Those who had friends or loved ones that told them beforehand about this day and yet for whatever reason, they chose not to believe it. &nbsp;Those that mocked their friends when they shared Christ's love with them and told them how they, too, could take part. &nbsp;Those who thought they had more time and put off this important decision. &nbsp;Those who thought they were guaranteed tomorrow.<br /><br />We are not guaranteed tomorrow my friends. &nbsp;We know the saying that every day is a gift from God. Today is the day of salvation! &nbsp;Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.<br /><br />Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light." &nbsp;There is no other, there is no other way. &nbsp;Each of us has to make a decision as to whether or not we believe this. &nbsp;And how we respond to this truth will effect our lives for eternity. &nbsp; It's a choice we all have to make.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1G6SGrgW9r4/VBP8b8iYf8I/AAAAAAAAAlY/VZQMEROK8bY/s1600/911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1G6SGrgW9r4/VBP8b8iYf8I/AAAAAAAAAlY/VZQMEROK8bY/s1600/911.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I mentioned earlier, I entered the Memorial sad and in a solemn mood. &nbsp;After awhile, everyone left the area and it was just me and the Lord. &nbsp;I walked over where the wreaths were and prayed a little more. &nbsp;And then, I found myself looking at that piece of steel and thought how mighty our God is. &nbsp;There is nothing impossible for Him. &nbsp;He is Alpha. &nbsp;He is Omega. &nbsp;He is stronger than anything that evil might throw our way. &nbsp;He will stomp the enemy and all its evil under His mighty foot. &nbsp;Soon, I started to sing aloud, (not too loud mind you) the song by Janny Grein-We've Been Made More Than Conquerors. &nbsp;We do not have to fear evil, we don't need to worry about the future. &nbsp;As someone put it--we know the end of the Book. &nbsp;Do you?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sQFaqrgSciM?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-46334992539731652492014-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:002014-09-17T12:59:17.151-07:00ChaptersThis morning at church Jim was teaching from Matthew 25 and the parable of the talents. &nbsp;We have been studying different parables since last summer and it's been great. &nbsp;One of the advantages that we have of being a small church is being able to have discussions about what we are studying. &nbsp;I personally have learned a lot through the parables lately and there is always such good application. &nbsp;It's also been good just as a check seeing where my heart is and the attitude of my heart. &nbsp;I don't think we ever reach that point of being content with where we are spiritually-there is always room to be taught, to learn and to grow. <br /><br />Today, Jim used an example about chapters in life. &nbsp;He didn't get into it, but for some reason it really stood out to me. &nbsp;Chapters. &nbsp;We know the term and we use it so often in describing many things-where we are in life, where we were, and where we may be in the future.<br /><br />I thought about books. &nbsp;Obviously we would think that when the word 'chapter' is being used. &nbsp;I thought how the chapters of books so often parallel lives. &nbsp;We tend to divide our lives into sections. &nbsp;For some, there are the chapters of being single, a new chapter for when we are married, have children and then there are even chapters reserved for the future-perhaps retirement or a new adventure that we know is coming. &nbsp;For Christians, we often hear people categorize their lives as a chapter or chapters before they came to know the Lord. &nbsp;That was one chapter, then new chapters arise as they walk with the Lord, follow after Him and journey along the road where He leads them. <br /><br />Think about an adventurous novel. &nbsp;Think how when you read a book it is usually exciting at first-especially if you are fond of the author. &nbsp;You grab a cup of tea, a warm blanket and find your little nook on the couch or snuggle up in your favorite chair and get ready to escape into the tales that await you. &nbsp;(can you tell it's winter and cold here) You get excited because the scene is being set. &nbsp;The characters are being named and identified. &nbsp;Usually within the first few chapters we meet each of the characters and know the role they will have throughout the book. &nbsp;We figure out how this person is connected with that person, what the purpose is in the main character heading out for some kind of adventure. &nbsp;Enthusiasm builds and we find ourselves unable to put the book down because so much is going on and we don't want to be left hanging and wondering what is going to happen next.<br /><br />More often then not, what happens next? &nbsp;Well, I venture to say that many times we get to the middle of a novel. &nbsp;We get to that section that is not thrilling to read. &nbsp;It seems boring, we wonder why the author wasted time even putting all those sorted details in there. &nbsp;Perhaps we think it was just to make the book a little bigger -we cannot see the importance of the middle portion of the book. &nbsp;All these silly details of someone going to a shop, doing the ordinary, nothing that seems to have to do with much of anything. &nbsp;Surely we think the author could have just skipped all that and just got to the end. <br /><br />How many of &nbsp;you have become bored reading a book once you get to the middle of it? &nbsp;It's hard to keep your attention and you may even be tempted to skip over a few chapters in hopes to get back to the exciting parts. &nbsp;And then........finally.......finally the author starts to get your attention again. &nbsp;Things start happening, some surprises, some things that we sort of expected or hoped to happen we just didn't know how it was going to work itself out. &nbsp;And what happens from this point forward is all leading up to the end-the final chapters.<br /><br />So today I thought about life. &nbsp;I thought about just like a book, our lives can be categorized into chapters. &nbsp;We have the beginning chapters, middle and then of course the ending chapters. &nbsp; But, I thought about ministry too. &nbsp;I thought about how just like in life, we have chapters in our ministries whatever they may be. &nbsp;For some, like Jim and me, our ministry is overseas. &nbsp;We had the beginning chapters. &nbsp;The newness of it all where we were so excited to start writing the story of what God was doing and how He was using us. &nbsp;The things the Lord was teaching us as we embarked on this new chapter of our lives. &nbsp;It was exciting too because others were just as excited. &nbsp;Something new! &nbsp;Excitement often times begets excitement. &nbsp;We all have been in situations where exciting news is shared and we want to be able to share and talk about it also.<br /><br />But what happens later on? &nbsp;It's kind of like a book-you have the 'normalcy' of life. &nbsp;The chapters of the ministry where it is slow, mundane, seemingly day after day the 'filler' pages. &nbsp;The pages that aren't so interesting for others to read about. &nbsp;The excitement others once had for you has now been replaced with something else, something newer. &nbsp;You feel as though the chapters of your book are not important to anyone any more and they just lay aside the 'book' for another time. &nbsp;Just as people get bored with reading a book when they get to the middle, they can get bored with people or ministries when it doesn't seem like anything exciting is taking place. <br /><br />Yet, we know that just like with most books, there is a purpose for the 'middle chapters' &nbsp;There is a reason, albeit sometimes only known to the author, for those middle pages. &nbsp;There is a story to be told, there is a connection between the first chapters and the last chapters. &nbsp;We may not see it, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. &nbsp;There has to be a beginning, a middle and and end. <br /><br />Even our bibles have the same set-up. &nbsp;There is a beginning....Genesis. &nbsp;There is an end....Revelation. &nbsp;Yet, between those 'chapters' is so much more. &nbsp;Can you imagine if the Holy Spirit didn't inspire all the rest of the bible? &nbsp;All the lives and lessons we would miss out on because there weren't those 'middle' pages in between Creation and Christ coming again. &nbsp;Would it have been enough? &nbsp;Well, I suppose since it is God's Word it would have been enough-but we wouldn't have all those amazing verses underlined to help us through each day. &nbsp;We wouldn't have the record of those whose lives we can so relate to to remind us of our loving and forgiving Savior. <br /><br />I feel like we need to be reminded not to get bored with things, with people, with ministries. &nbsp;We live in a world that moves so quickly. &nbsp;I tell you I cannot even watch tv when I am home because it just moves so quickly that I cannot understand what is happening. &nbsp;My brain doesn't process things that fast anymore! &nbsp; Society wants to tell us to just get rid of the old and bring in the new. &nbsp;Think about the phone system in the US-oh you have had your phone for 2 yrs already-that is way too long, you MUST get a new one! <br /><br />So, what's the point of all this? &nbsp;Well, I suppose it is that we try hard not to get bored with our ministries, with other people's ministries, with our friends, with life in general. &nbsp;Change is good and we all need it when the time is right. &nbsp;But, there is something to be said for steadfastness. &nbsp;There is something to be said for faithfulness. &nbsp;All of us are going to experience 'the middle chapters' in life. &nbsp;We will experience them in our personal lives, in our jobs, in our ministries, in whatever things we are involved in. &nbsp;I don't think any of us want to go through them alone. &nbsp;None of us wants people to get bored with us and set us aside just because we may not be as exciting as we once were. &nbsp;Let's all be willing to cheer one another on through the middle chapters. &nbsp;Let's all be those who don't give up on whatever we are called to do just because the middle pages seem redundant and boring. <br /><br />There is a new chapter coming for each of us. &nbsp;God is the author of our lives and just as He planned a beginning, and the years in between, He is planning the final chapters. &nbsp;We all know as His children that it is going to be a glorious chapter. &nbsp;Sometimes I get so excited about the end that I want to forego the middle stuff and just get right to the chapter where I am home with my Jesus. &nbsp;But, he wants us to know that even though we don't understand the middle chapters, they are there for a reason. &nbsp;He has a purpose and a plan. &nbsp;He has given us His Word that all things will work together for good-and that means even the ho-hum chapters we think we could do without. &nbsp; Don't be in a hurry to skip chapters to get to the end. &nbsp;I think in the end we will often times see that those middle chapters were the ones used to form us into the people God wants us to be :)<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cX_c6-gNwKc/UsmhZlhg2HI/AAAAAAAAAkM/BBAJ_rvJa1g/s1600/books+stacked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cX_c6-gNwKc/UsmhZlhg2HI/AAAAAAAAAkM/BBAJ_rvJa1g/s1600/books+stacked.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-54445371852360803992013-11-01T03:28:00.001-07:002013-11-01T07:39:58.556-07:00A Picture Speaks 1000 WordsHave you ever looked at a picture and there is something that speaks so loudly about it. &nbsp;It isn't necessarily a great photograph but within the photo there is great meaning. <br /><br />This happened recently when I saw this one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmOTYVyQs0k/UnN3swqPbkI/AAAAAAAAAjY/0Z6RNHq4XVg/s1600/a+thousand+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmOTYVyQs0k/UnN3swqPbkI/AAAAAAAAAjY/0Z6RNHq4XVg/s320/a+thousand+words.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At first it looked like a great photo from Venice. &nbsp;The architecture there is phenomenal. &nbsp;It is truly a city like none other. &nbsp;In the years I have lived in Italy I have been privileged to go many times with friends and visitors longing to see this picturesque city by the water for the first time. &nbsp;It never ceases to amaze me. &nbsp;Each time we go I find something different, some little area yet to be explored. &nbsp;A street, a store, even a new gelateria! &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On this occasion, Sandy and I had ventured off for the day to explore Venice for the second time in a matter of weeks. &nbsp;There is nothing like a brisk autumn day with nothing pressing on your calendar 'to do' list so you take the train into Venice for a few hours. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To me, this picture speaks volumes. &nbsp;We've heard it said many times before that 'a picture speaks a thousand words'. &nbsp;In this photo, one would never know that just around the corner are crowds of people, hustling and bustling about the city. &nbsp;People young and old taking in the sights, others just wanting to get to their apartments so they can make the family lunch. &nbsp;Laundry is strung about on makeshift clotheslines-taking advantage of the fresh air and sunshine. &nbsp;Restaurant waiters are busy trying to lure in customers for a meal, tourists trying to get one last bargain, children crying because they are tired of walking. &nbsp;And yet, you would never know it looking at this still photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This photo became so personal. &nbsp;A part of me looks at it and weeps and the other part rests at peace knowing that midst the clamor and busyness one can find solitude and rest. &nbsp; Weeping perhaps because you are not a part of the noise, not a part of the laughter and excitement that is found around the corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past year of my life has been that way. &nbsp;All around me there were exciting things happening. &nbsp;People moving to new cities, new countries, new bible studies starting up, people stepping out in faith to do a new work. &nbsp;You hear of new growth in churches, new people attending, events going on around you that you are no longer a part of. &nbsp;It has been a year of trying to rejoice for those rejoicing all the while weeping because it is not happening for you or the place you are in. &nbsp;Just like in this picture-it was like to the left and to the right there was noise, there was excitement and there you are in the middle of it all asking why. &nbsp;Not asking why for the others, but asking <b>why not</b> for yourselves. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A time of learning who God is in the stillness. &nbsp;Who He is when it is just you and Him. &nbsp;Is He enough? &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This picture also spoke to me about the need to keep walking forward and not looking back. &nbsp; Our walk, our &nbsp;journey with the Lord continues on. &nbsp;Step by step we go forward. &nbsp;As Paul says, we press on towards the goal, not looking back. &nbsp;I love the depth of this photo. &nbsp;You can clearly see the the steps walked to get where I am going and yet there is still more in front of me. &nbsp;I love how there seems to be this darkness and gloomy grey on the stones and yet up ahead there is the light where the sun is shining. &nbsp;The further I would walk, the more light would appear. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just like in this picture-we keep walking. &nbsp;We keep moving in the direction the Lord has mapped out for us. &nbsp;Noise and excitement are wonderful, but there are those times in our lives where God wants us to walk in solitude. &nbsp;He wants to work something in us that is so personal and unique that it is between us and Him. &nbsp;He teaches us His character. &nbsp;He reminds us that though He had crowds following Him most of His ministry life, He was often alone. &nbsp;During difficult moments and great temptation He was often alone. &nbsp;No one wanted to journey with Him in those times. &nbsp;No one could stay awake and pray with Him. &nbsp;But, it was in those times that He was so intimate with His Father. &nbsp;He cried out to Him and was heard. &nbsp;He journeyed on. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There came a time that day that when once again I was in the midst of the crowd. &nbsp;The hustle and bustle was all around me once again. &nbsp;The noise, the smells, the familiarity of the sites and the people were crowded around me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How personal this picture is. &nbsp; What a promise from the Lord. &nbsp;Don't be afraid to be alone. &nbsp;Don't get anxious about what is going around you or frustrated about what is not going on where you are. &nbsp;God has a plan, He has a purpose and reason for those quiet times, for those alone times. &nbsp;Take advantage of them because they may not last. &nbsp;Take in those moments when it is just you and your Savior and you cannot hear or see the crowds to your left or right. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forget what is behind and continue to press on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-za1o25wB5oc/UnOCMM7MheI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8kZKbPE34BA/s1600/press+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-za1o25wB5oc/UnOCMM7MheI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8kZKbPE34BA/s320/press+on.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-86612983942979954992013-09-02T04:18:00.004-07:002013-09-02T04:25:29.071-07:00Prayer and PraiseThank you to everyone who partners with us here in Padova. &nbsp;We are heading into our 5th year here and excited about the things that are going on. &nbsp;It's been many years of praying and waiting and to be honest even questioning at times. &nbsp;This past year was especially difficult with health issues, heartaches and waiting for God to do what He has promised. &nbsp;It's in those times that it becomes easy to be discouraged and yet the Lord continually gave great comfort and strength with each new trial. &nbsp;He has been faithful to remind us of what He spoke to our hearts years ago and brings blessings when we least expect them.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We had a wonderful time at the annual Missions Conf in Austria. &nbsp;Always a time of refreshment and encouragement with others and the teachings are a wonderful reminder to keep our eyes on the Lord and His Word and not to be distracted. &nbsp;I go away feeling like so many of the messages were hand picked just for me &nbsp;:) &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight we have 4 girls arriving-3 are living in Austria and 1 just finished SOS in Austria and has a week before going back to the states. &nbsp;We are thrilled they will be with us for the sole purpose of walking around the city and praying. &nbsp;I love the promise the Lord gave to Joshua-'every place the sole of your foot touches will be yours'. &nbsp;This is our mission this next week. &nbsp;Walk and pray. &nbsp;The university students will be arriving towards the end of the month and we want to cover them in prayer. &nbsp;Our university has over 65,000 students and for the past 4 years many have been praying for them and us and how to minister to them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9vPclzIMHE/UiR1loLec_I/AAAAAAAAAig/9IdyYr8oiXw/s1600/deut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9vPclzIMHE/UiR1loLec_I/AAAAAAAAAig/9IdyYr8oiXw/s320/deut.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We have also been looking for a building to rent for our church. &nbsp;We have been meeting at a Community Center for the past years and though we greatly appreciate the fact that it is free of charge, it is not in a location that is easily accessible to those walking or taking public transportation. &nbsp; We have been searching for a place closer to the city center and within walking distance for the students. &nbsp;Last week Jim went to meet with different owners/realtors of several properties. &nbsp;He found the one that seems to fit all of our needs and then some. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EtFVcnRp8Y/UiRtvmPMFmI/AAAAAAAAAh0/53ceFl9A3ZM/s1600/via+giotto+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EtFVcnRp8Y/UiRtvmPMFmI/AAAAAAAAAh0/53ceFl9A3ZM/s320/via+giotto+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>This storefront is in a great location-easy to walk to, has parking and within walking distance to the train station. &nbsp;The brick building above is for sale by a different owner. &nbsp;It was actually a school. &nbsp;What's great about that is we have been praying with Greg and Alice about having a Christian nursery/preschool one day. Alice is taking an exam this week that would give her the qualification to teach. &nbsp;We would like to rent the bottom part and use it for church, English classes, guitar lessons, etc and then be in prayer to see about getting the top part. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Marla is interviewing for a job in Milano this coming Friday. &nbsp;She would get her own apartment and be very close to the train station and city center. &nbsp;She's also excited because there are plenty of Sushi restaurants in the area :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So, how can you be praying for us and CC Padova? &nbsp;Let me tell &nbsp;you :)</div><div><br /></div><div>*Jim's health. &nbsp;He needs an angiogram to check his arteries-pray the doctor will give him the referral he needs.</div><div>*Margie's back-I found a surgeon about an hour away. &nbsp;I am going to make an appointment for him to examine my back but need to have the doctor in our town refer me so I don't have to pay. Patience as I await test results I had done last week.</div><div>*Home fellowship group about 45 min from us to start up soon</div><div>*Greg and Alice to be able to buy a car for their growing family</div><div>*That the finances needed for a years worth of rent on the storefront building would be provided. &nbsp;</div><div>*A great week of prayer with Rebecca, Michele, Laura and Briana as we walk around Padova.</div><div>*Marla to get the job in Milano</div><div>*An abundance of God's grace, wisdom and love as we serve here in Padova.&nbsp;</div><div>*Chris Brown-a faithful servant who travels an hour to Padova each week to reach out to the university students. &nbsp;Also for Aoife (Ifa) who will be serving with him this year. &nbsp;She is a sweet gal from Ireland who was in Padova last year.</div><div>*Finances for Jim to be able to go to the states for a visit</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple pictures from the conference</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkHW6HgwZ_w/UiRyv1hyPYI/AAAAAAAAAiE/u-Xn_DVDB1g/s1600/conf+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VkHW6HgwZ_w/UiRyv1hyPYI/AAAAAAAAAiE/u-Xn_DVDB1g/s320/conf+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LWyyfsOYz8/UiRy8YFsJlI/AAAAAAAAAiM/QoczpEEvAZ4/s1600/conf+2013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LWyyfsOYz8/UiRy8YFsJlI/AAAAAAAAAiM/QoczpEEvAZ4/s320/conf+2013a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Marla's 25th</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mG7ku6ZHnWs/UiRzMGnJeyI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ouaM5TOBPUk/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mG7ku6ZHnWs/UiRzMGnJeyI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ouaM5TOBPUk/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-8031266529113794922013-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:002013-07-22T10:29:50.149-07:00Jim Part 2Hello again! <br /><br />First, thank you all again for the sweet comments, prayers and abundance of love! &nbsp;God is truly showing Himself to us through each of you. &nbsp;As odd as it may sound, it has blessed our hearts to read the comments here and on FB and know that you are each an extension of His love and comfort. &nbsp;Besides the normal stress of having Jim in the hospital and not knowing exactly what is happening with him it has been hard to be by ourselves (Marla and me) and not have a friend to just cry with and pray with. &nbsp;I may say this often but please don't ever take for granted the Christian friends you have around you to pray with, laugh with, cry with, etc. &nbsp; You never know when your world will turn upside down and you no longer have them around. &nbsp;Maybe I have been so spoiled with the lovely friends I do have and so going through this rough time makes me ache all the more for you!!!! &nbsp;It's hard for our two daughters back in the states because they can't see their Dad and love on him and give him, Marla and me hugs too and we can't give any to them.<br /><br />So, with that, I can tell you that as of 3pm today Jim is HOME!!!! &nbsp;You may think we are thrilled and excited, and we are, but there is the other part. &nbsp;The part of the unknown, the fear and what could happen. &nbsp;He was released because the two machines that are needed to do the gastro test and also the stress test are not functioning properly right now. Whether that translates to they are really both surprisingly broken at the same time or summer is here and we are very short staffed so there aren't a lot of people to operate the equipment and you are no longer an emergency.....talk about having to trust the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. &nbsp;Such a test of faith. Jim's resting now. &nbsp;He is not allowed to do much except rest. &nbsp;No walking and not much exercise until he has the stress test. &nbsp;He is on blood thinners so help with the blood flow to the heart. &nbsp;Marla and I have decided that we won't be out of the house at the same time just to make sure one of us is with him at all times. &nbsp;We may be overly cautious but we don't want to take any chances. &nbsp;A week ago today I wasn't sure what was happening and it scared me enough that we don't want to risk him being alone. &nbsp;I met his doctor today and she told me what he can and can't eat. &nbsp;He is on a strict diet of 1500 calories a day....lol....I think this is a shock to him. &nbsp;Marla is so great and a big help-she is already planning on filling her Pinterest with heart healthy meals :) &nbsp;No fat, no sugar, no fried foods....life is going to be changing for the good :)<br /><br />Thank you again for taking the time to write, send your love and to pray. &nbsp;It means the world to us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0z58wQ5QThU/Ue1rmDkGXJI/AAAAAAAAAho/K0YYfJX5cgU/s1600/proverbs25-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0z58wQ5QThU/Ue1rmDkGXJI/AAAAAAAAAho/K0YYfJX5cgU/s320/proverbs25-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-19639482165058344402013-07-20T01:03:00.000-07:002013-07-20T01:04:11.108-07:00Update on JimI decided to take to the blog to let everyone who is interested know what happened and what is happening with Jim. &nbsp;To try and write on Facebook is just too long. <br /><br />First, I really apologize to those who have written asking what is going on. Besides family, &nbsp;I let a few people know the day of and figured that between the three of them everyone who is close to us would find out. &nbsp;I wasn't in the mood to write on Facebook, answer emails, messages, etc. &nbsp;I wasn't trying to be mean or evasive but to be honest, other people weren't the first things on my mind. &nbsp;My husband and his health were and still are. &nbsp;So, if I haven't returned an email or responded to a message please bare with us and try to place yourselves where we are right now. &nbsp;We have been in 'waiting and testing mode'. <br /><br />On Monday we were out in Padova with my sister and her family. &nbsp;We had lunch and then the some of us went in one direction while the guys went in another. &nbsp;I happened to see that Jim and Jim (my sister's hubby is also Jim) were sitting down again. &nbsp;I just figured they were bored and not wanting to walk anymore. &nbsp;We met up about 1/2 later and started walking towards the car. &nbsp;Not long after my Jim had to stop because he wasn't feeling well. &nbsp;He rested and then attempted to continue walking but couldn't. &nbsp;We sat down on a bench and my sister and her Jim went to get our car. &nbsp;By this time Jim's neck was hurting and he couldn't move his head. &nbsp;Come to find out the reason the guys were sitting in the first place was because his eyesight got blurry and he thought he was going blind. &nbsp;Then, his chest starting hurting and he said it was like 300 lbs sitting on his chest. &nbsp;His fingers and toes started to itch too. &nbsp;It was scary time for us and even Jim was pretty scared. &nbsp;I was so thankful for my sister being there and her husband so they could be in charge of the events and keep us all calm. <br /><br />So the ambulance came and took him to the hospital and the EKG didn't show he had a heart attack. &nbsp;His oxygen level was very low (86) so they had to give him oxygen. &nbsp;He has been in the hospital being tested and his latest EKG yesterday was hard to get a reading on a part of his heart so they are pretty sure he has blockage in his arteries. &nbsp;They will run more tests on Monday, &nbsp;and hopefully we will get more results. &nbsp;They want to do the angioplasty after they have exhausted the other tests-why, I don't really know. &nbsp;I understand it is invasive but at the same time it would be good to just know so that we can have him back &nbsp;home <br /><br />We feel extremely blessed and thankful that God gave him this warning sign. &nbsp;He had been experiencing chest pains a couple weeks ago but you know how easy it is to put things off and not think about the seriousness of them. &nbsp;Looking back, I think of how tired he has been in the past weeks, even months. &nbsp;We have been keeping busy and pretty active walking around, doing a lot so we just passed it off as being tired and of course age and being out of shape. &nbsp;Now we know better to heed the warning signs in the future.<br /><br />The good news is that if it is Coronary Artery Disease it is fixable. &nbsp;His diet needs to change and depending on how much build up &nbsp;there is will determine if he just needs medicine or a balloon inserted inside. <br /><br />He has made good use out of his stay in the hospital so far-always the evangelist :) &nbsp;The whole floor knows who he is and what he does-why he is here in Italy :) &nbsp;The doctors and staff cannot believe he would leave beautiful San Diego for Padova!! &nbsp;God so blessed him with a room that only has 2 beds. &nbsp;This was a nice gift considering in Hungary there were 8 to a room and most of the rooms on his floor are 4-6 to a room. &nbsp;He has me bringing in different things each day-his roommate went home yesterday and Jim gave him some audio tracts that Rob Nash gave him for evangelising. &nbsp;The nurse came in the other morning and saw him reading his Bible and said "Bravo"!!! &nbsp;She was so happy he was reading it :) &nbsp;So, in the midst of all the scary stuff we see God's hand upon him and seeds being planted in places that we never would have thought of. <br /><br />We appreciate so very much the outpour of love and prayers coming our way. &nbsp;Please continue to write even if I don't respond immediately. &nbsp;It really does bring joy to my heart and helps remind me that even though it feels so lonely at times, we are not alone. &nbsp;I honestly cherish each message, email and fb post that you write. I feel like it is God's way of wrapping His arms around us and giving us hugs long distance. &nbsp;I think I miss that a lot right now. &nbsp;I know that if we were there we would get a lot of hugs and comfort :) &nbsp;Some of you have written specific scriptures the Lord gave &nbsp;you for us and even some have written from a devotional. Seriously, it makes me cry to know that God cares that much and uses the Body of Christ no matter how far away we are from one another to minister to us. &nbsp;It's such a good reminder for us to be faithful and not to put off writing or sharing something if the Lord puts in on our hearts to do. &nbsp;We never know what effect those words can have for someone. &nbsp;I haven't slept more than 3-4 hours a night since Monday so exhaustion is setting in but God is faithful and step by step gives us the strength we need. &nbsp;Your notes have truly given me strength and I pass it on to Jim every day. &nbsp;He is so touched and thankful!<br /><br />They are short staffed at the hospital so he gets to come home today for 24 hours. &nbsp;This is a good sign meaning that he isn't considered an emergency any longer. &nbsp;I will pick him up at 3pm today and then he goes back at 3pm tomorrow. &nbsp;Pray I don't smother him and over-react at every little breath or sound that he makes :)<br /><br />I will do my best to update as we know more. &nbsp;Until then, cherish all that God has given you and never take anyone in your life for granted. &nbsp;Life is precious and so are the people that the Lord has placed in our lives!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSF9yyMufY/UepBtHhY8sI/AAAAAAAAAhU/GKS8EwmWPhc/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSF9yyMufY/UepBtHhY8sI/AAAAAAAAAhU/GKS8EwmWPhc/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-61341817556969962572013-06-04T03:32:00.003-07:002013-06-04T04:18:06.096-07:00A Fungus Among Us I know, I know, you are so intrigued by this title! &nbsp;What in the world could I possibly have to share with you with such a title as this?! <br />Well, if you must know, it is exactly that-fungus!! &nbsp;'I never knew Margie was a biologist or a medic' you might be saying to yourself right now-but let me assure you, though I dropped out of college, I am now very expertise when talking about fungi. And no, I am not using this post to give you countless insight on mushrooms nor share recipes that contain mushrooms. &nbsp;Rather, I will talk about fungus-real live (ha ha yes it is live) fungus-growing fungus, fungus that doesn't go away rapidly, fungus that is extremely unsightly and a cause of great distress.<br />Now that you are completely off your seat with excitement let me begin my tale of the unknown fungus.<br /><br />It started way back in February. &nbsp;I had this little pin sized red dot on my leg. &nbsp;Right above my ankle. &nbsp;I thought nothing of it at first. &nbsp;I thought perhaps it was from shaving, (which of course is rare in winter, however; it must have been some rare occasion,) or it could have been a spider bite since we live in a concrete apartment and spiders seem to love having their dwelling places all along the walls and baseboards of our home. &nbsp;It didn't hurt or itch so I really didn't give it much thought. &nbsp;If we are facebook friends, you may remember that I was extremely ill for at least 2 weeks in February. &nbsp;I couldn't move, couldn't get out of bed, nor eat much at all. &nbsp;It wasn't long after that episode that I noticed this little red dot became bigger and other dots started to appear around it. &nbsp;Still, no itching, no pain, so being the person I am, I ignored it. &nbsp;Well, it soon began to spread across my ankle and I decided to bring it to Jim's attention. &nbsp;We thought it was probably a spider bite and being the man he is, he so eloquently advised me that there was a possibility that a spider not only bit me, but laid eggs in my leg....yes, not for the squeamish I tell ya!!! &nbsp;We had some creams left over from Hungary-Jim had a really weird disease on his legs for two whole years!!! &nbsp;Doctors could never figure it out but I remember he couldn't even wear shorts one summer because it looked so bad. &nbsp;So, being resourceful and thrifty, I started to use the creams-any creams I could find in the cabinet I would experiment with and carefully rub them in my leg. <br /><br />A friend came to visit in May and I decided to show her my leg and we took photos and sent them to a friend of hers who is a nurse in the states. &nbsp;Still, noone could figure out what this was. &nbsp;By now it was gross and I mean really gross. &nbsp;Red, scabby, just disgusting! &nbsp; We started putting some other cream on it and sure enough it seemed to be going away. &nbsp;Hallelujah!!! Right in time for the summer months my yucky leg would once again be smooth and ready for some bronzing :) &nbsp;But......remember my last blog post.....where oh where is Spring? &nbsp;It was so cold! How cold was it? &nbsp;So cold that one Sunday after church (end of May mind you) my feet were so cold I put on some woolie slipper socks that I picked up at a garage sale in CA last year and was wearing a lot this winter. &nbsp;Sure enough, &nbsp;I awoke on Sunday and BAM,,,,,just like that, my almost healed leg was red, inflammed, and the rash was back with a vengeance. &nbsp;My heart sank. &nbsp;What in the world was happening to my leg???? <br /><br />Of course, Jim wanted me to go to the doctor months ago and find out what this was and see if there was something they could prescribe to cure this ghastly rash. &nbsp;I refused to go and decided it would just go away on its own. &nbsp;I google searched every possible phrase that might result in a diagnosis and couldn't quite be sure what it was. &nbsp;Google images can be quite interesting as you know-often I wanted to throw up and had to quickly turn the page because some photos were just too much to handle. &nbsp;I did however start to see photos that might resemble what was going on with my leg. &nbsp;The problem was, it was a bit embarrassing. &nbsp;The name just sounds terrible and makes me think I was unclean-that some how I wasn't careful enough or clean enough and this came about because I failed to do something properly. &nbsp;So,,,,what did I do? &nbsp;Well, just &nbsp;tried to ignore like I am so good at. &nbsp;But, it came to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. &nbsp;I showed Jim a picture from the internet and asked if it looked like my leg and he said yes. &nbsp;Well folks, that meant I had ringworm!!! Ah, just to type it sounds so gross to me. &nbsp;Worms, I had this vision of worms in my leg but obviously it is not that at all...which brings me to wonder who the heck named it that if it has nothing to do with worms anyway!! &nbsp;Must have been a guy :) &nbsp;Anyway, we were at some friends the other day and I slowly lifted my pant leg to show a couple friends what was going on and low and behold someone said oh yeah, that's ringworm! &nbsp;I felt relieved that they said that and not only that they told me what it was but gave me a homeopathic cure. &nbsp;Tea Tree Oil in case you are wondering. &nbsp;They actually told me to use Tea Tree Oil and Grapefruit Extract but I couldn't afford both so I looked online and found that I could just use the one and that should have great results. &nbsp;I went yesterday and picked up a little bottle for 13 euro!!!! &nbsp;They must know we like it :) &nbsp;Anyway, I am on my third dosage this afternoon and already I am seeing improvement!! &nbsp;So, do you wonder why in life is she talking about this-and why is she sharing this gross stuff??????<br /><br />Through all this, I learned a lesson. &nbsp;Believe it or not, the Lord used it as an allegory. &nbsp;How often we go about with things in our lives, something that starts out small and unnoticeable. &nbsp;Not even visible to anyone around us. &nbsp;We can cover it up and pretend it isn't there. &nbsp;We can try to wish it away and even just hope that with time, it will cure itself and disappear. &nbsp;We are embarrassed by a sin or a struggle we have in our lives. &nbsp;On the outside, we look so normal. &nbsp;We look like we have it all together and yet underneath the surface we are hiding something. &nbsp;We are afraid that if we expose it to someone else they will judge us, they will think poorly of us and make us feel worse than we already feel.<br /><br />Often times, there is a simple remedy to whatever is going on in our lives. &nbsp;Whatever problems we may be facing, whatever secret sin we may be trying to cover up. &nbsp;There is a remedy and more often than not, it is such a simple remedy but our pride and our fears keep us from being healed. &nbsp; &nbsp;We don't want to expose the ugly and unsightly part of ourselves because we fear that in doing so people will avoid us or not want to be our friend any longer. &nbsp;I felt this way with my leg. &nbsp;If people heard I had this they would think I didn't wash my clothes properly or that my house somehow wasn't clean enough and therefore I got this fungus. &nbsp;I thought if they knew then they wouldn't want to be around me because perhaps they too would catch it. <br /><br />Are you going through a secret struggle right now? &nbsp;Are you struggling with something right now? &nbsp;Do you put on a happy smile and make everyone think you are doing ok but underneath you are so close to a breakdown? &nbsp;Are you struggling with lonliness, anger, perhaps bulimia, cutting, or some other secret problem? &nbsp;Are you embarrassed about it and feel like if you just give it time it will go away? &nbsp;If you just keep covering it up with a plastic smile, with some breath mints or a long sleeved shirt it will be ok? <br /><br />Dear friend, it won't go away on its own. &nbsp;You need the salve. &nbsp;You need the ointment of healing. &nbsp;You need a friend that you can go to and expose what is underneath so that the healing process can begin. &nbsp;Don't wait any longer. &nbsp;Let today be the day that you allow the healing to begin. &nbsp;Perhaps, as did the Tea Tree Oil, it burned just a bit, but the healing began. &nbsp;There is balm in Gilead, there is healing-but you have to apply it. &nbsp;You can no longer continue to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own-it won't. &nbsp;You must begin now to take action! &nbsp;Don't wait. &nbsp;The longer you wait, the longer it becomes a part of you and the harder it will be to get the help needed.<br /><br />Or, perhaps God is calling you to be that friend. &nbsp;Perhaps the Lord wants you to be that healing ointment in another's life. &nbsp;You are being asked to bear this person's burden without thinking badly about them. &nbsp;Point them to the scriptures-to the One who heals, the One who forgives, the One who heals completely. &nbsp;Hug them, love them! &nbsp;Don't avoid the one who you see with cuts on her arm, the one who sits alone because they feel ashamed because of something in their past or something they are presently going through. &nbsp;There are enough judgers and pharisees in the world. &nbsp;What we need more of is down to earth Christians who are willing to come along side in love and be used by God to help the healing process begin in another's life!<br />Are you willing to be that person?<br /><br />I decided to spare you all a picture of my leg and put the words to this beautiful hymn up instead :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHmvqzxRvko/Ua3CHT-CQTI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y9sHdTHoN84/s1600/bear+burden+hymn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHmvqzxRvko/Ua3CHT-CQTI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y9sHdTHoN84/s320/bear+burden+hymn.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-6526405990734542462013-05-25T05:34:00.002-07:002013-05-25T05:48:45.981-07:00Spring Delayed....How Long Oh LordRemembering the words of the prophet Habakkuk-'how long, Lord, must I call out for help, but You do not listen'. &nbsp;David, in Psalm 13 asks the Lord the same...How long oh Lord. &nbsp;Will You hide your face from me, will You forget me? <br />Have you been there? &nbsp;Have you cried out to the Lord over and over again and yet saw no change in the circumstance and began to feel that God is not listening? &nbsp;If we are honest, I think most of us have been or even are in that place right now.<br />It seems my last 4 or so posts have been about winter passing and the expectation of Spring. &nbsp;The long dreary Winter will give way to the beauty and the sweet aroma of Spring. &nbsp;Yet, there are times that Spring is delayed and we cannot understand why. &nbsp;Here is a picture a friend posted yesterday. &nbsp;It is just an hour from us. &nbsp;Keep in mind it was May 24th when this photo was taken. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXel1SOTic0/UaCg3wTqLDI/AAAAAAAAAgk/GG7Z85i1S68/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXel1SOTic0/UaCg3wTqLDI/AAAAAAAAAgk/GG7Z85i1S68/s320/snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Crazy isn't it! &nbsp;Last year we were in the states for the month of May. &nbsp;We were so happy to be there but we were happy to be here in Italy this May because it has been our favorite month since moving here. &nbsp;The vineyards are starting to fill in with beautiful grape leaves, the flowers and their scent fill the air with loveliness and the sun shines gloriously morning and evening. <br />It would not be so this May. &nbsp;For whatever reason, Spring has been delayed. &nbsp;Oh, there were glimpses of it, days the windows and doors were wide open, laundry was seen hung out in every yard and terrace. &nbsp;Boots, heavy coats and sweaters were carefully packed away not anticipating to be needed for another 6 months or so. &nbsp;But, yesterday, the heavy coat was worn and the winter boots yanked out of their resting place to be put to use yet again. <br /><br />There came a time yesterday in the midst of &nbsp;begrudging &nbsp;these cold temperatures, walking carefully as to avoid puddle after puddle, watching the downcast faces of a people who had not expected to be braving this kind of weather at the end of May, for an instant I thought &nbsp;"Lord, are You speaking to me through this storm? &nbsp;Are the winds and the rain for me? &nbsp;Did You in Your tenderness allow Spring to be delayed so that You could speak to my heart?" &nbsp;It was as if for a moment, the clouds were lifted up and the light of His glory shone upon my heart. &nbsp;'But Lord,' my desperate heart cried, &nbsp;'it's supposed to be Spring. &nbsp;The calendar even says it is supposed to be Spring. &nbsp;We endured the Winter and anticipated Spring. &nbsp;You gave us glimpses of Spring but as quickly as it came You took it away. &nbsp;It's not just raining, it is pouring, it is cold and dreary. &nbsp;Why, oh why aren't You letting Spring come? &nbsp;Why are You seeming to be messing with nature and the way that things are supposed to be? &nbsp;Why God, why????" &nbsp;And I believe that our intimate God, our gracious and patient King, sat and listened and He had a bottle for every tear that was falling and He, in a way that only He can, wrapped me in His arms and let me know it was going to be ok. <br />He reminded me that it indeed rains on the just and the unjust. &nbsp;That He does not look at things the way man looks at them. &nbsp;His ways are different than ours, His thoughts higher. <br /><br />This morning when I awoke, the skies were blue. &nbsp;By the time I sat to write this, grey covered the skies, the cats came running in to seek shelter as the sound of thunder echoed in the background, and once again, the heavy rains came down. &nbsp;Perhaps with sadness, some will look after the rains and see their crop destroyed, their planters overturned and flower petals tossed violently across the lawn. All of their hard work seemingly to no avail. &nbsp;'Why bother?', some may ask. Perhaps they will give up and stop planting. &nbsp;Perhaps they will become so discouraged and think gardening or farming isn't for them. &nbsp;But, we know that we will sweep up the mess, salvage what is left to be salvaged and start again to dig, to plow, to plant to water. &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;Because that is what the Lord tells us to do. &nbsp;The labor and obedience is up to us. &nbsp;The harvest is up to Him. &nbsp;And, one day, we will reap. &nbsp;It may not be here in the physical life. &nbsp;We may never be able to enjoy a harvest this side of Heaven. &nbsp;But, we are promised in His Word that we will indeed reap if we faint not. <br />Spring may be delayed, but our God is never delayed. He makes ALL things beautiful in His time!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuFYUjS3gfQ/UaCvvOXInZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/7qEnZsLqMGI/s1600/5434553105_965bd8d880_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuFYUjS3gfQ/UaCvvOXInZI/AAAAAAAAAg0/7qEnZsLqMGI/s320/5434553105_965bd8d880_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-80478859736392809752013-05-15T10:47:00.001-07:002013-05-16T12:55:19.785-07:00Spring Update<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Mister wrote an update so for all of you who would like to sit back and have a read along with some pictures here you go. &nbsp; Thank you for your love, prayers and support. &nbsp;Without you, we couldn't do what we do!!!</span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Wow, can you believe it has been a year since we were in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cali</st1:city></st1:place> for a visit? We truly do miss you all and want to thank you for your love, prayers, and support. The fall season came and went without a trace after the annual CC European Missionary Conference in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Austria</st1:place></st1:country-region> and then we hunkered down for a long, cold, and sometimes lonely winter. We thought it would never end and other than the Holidays, it really was quite uneventful. However, Margie was busy with the annual Women’s Christmas Tea, which was a great success with 120 ladies attending. We were blessed to have our daughter Marla reunited with us in December and she is such a help with our ministry and household. Reminds me of those priceless years she assisted us on the mission field at CC Baja, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hungary</st1:place></st1:country-region>. In January I attended the annual Pastors conference at CC <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Siegen</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>, a much needed time of refreshing. I also had a couple more opportunities to play electric guitar gigs for a friend’s band doing DMB covers. It’s a lot of fun and thru music I have been able to make a lot of contacts and new friends and have had countless opportunities to witness and share the gospel. I am putting a group together for the summer and I pray for a fruitful season of extra money, sharing my music and faith, and church growth thru new relationships. Most people consider themselves to be Christians by birthright here, so I build upon the doctrines and common beliefs that we can share, i.e. the Finished Work, God’s Grace, and The Bible. It is a challenge for people from this region to let go of their tradition and try something new, especially a Protestant approach, since it really is completely foreign to them. We’ve also noticed that most Evangelicals here in northern <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region> are transplants from the South or foreign immigrants from Africa, South America, or the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Our region of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Veneto</st1:place></st1:state>seems to harbor resistance to Evangelical Christianity. Please pray for developing friendships and for perseverance in ministering to people with love and patience. Statistically, 98% of Italians claim to be Catholic Christians, but only 20% actually attend church regularly. In contrast, professing Americans attend church regularly at a 40% rate. Is it any wonder that we are burdened to reach people for Christ here in Christian Italy?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8uFJp4XysY/UZPEyPhQfyI/AAAAAAAAAdM/u2W20AFo_CA/s1600/892908_10152076887577788_953841937_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8uFJp4XysY/UZPEyPhQfyI/AAAAAAAAAdM/u2W20AFo_CA/s320/892908_10152076887577788_953841937_o+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Recently, we’ve been quite busy finishing up our citizenship and residency process. I am happy to report that I am an Italian citizen and so are all of our children and grandchildren. Margie has a 5 year residency card and can become an Italian in a couple years. Somehow I like the idea of holding dual citizenship, especially in this day and age that we find ourselves. Italian passports are the most welcomed in the world. As much as we miss our children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, so much that it hurts, we want you to know that we are here for the duration, that is, until the Lord tells us otherwise. So we pray that God will continue to bring to your remembrance our mission here in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>. At my age finding a job is difficult, but with my music connections, I hope to find side work performing from time to time and in the process meet and make new friends and share the Lord with many people. Also, Margie and Alice from the church are volunteering in an organization that helps young women, mostly from the South, Eastern Europe, and <st1:place w:st="on">Northern Africa</st1:place>, get off the streets.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1KUF2C83g/UZPH8oj4QTI/AAAAAAAAAfA/KGWkmCmrbVs/s1600/15976_10200885116311328_347120592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1KUF2C83g/UZPH8oj4QTI/AAAAAAAAAfA/KGWkmCmrbVs/s320/15976_10200885116311328_347120592_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">As Spring broke we were blessed by our dear friends Doug and Rose Martin from CC DC Metro, who treated us on our annual “Stewart-Martin Road Trip”. This year it was in conjunction with the annual Pastor’s Wives Conference that Margie and Becky Dente from CC Paris put together. Rose was one of the guest speakers and Doug and I tagged along to help shuttle guests to and from the airport and haul luggage and supplies. Then after the conference the four of us took in <st1:city w:st="on">Paris</st1:city> for a couple days and then my long awaited dream came true of visiting <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Normandy</st1:place></st1:state>. At the <st1:placename w:st="on">American</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Cemetery</st1:placetype>and Memorial at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Omaha</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>, I was uncontrollably overwhelmed with tears as we walked through those endless lines of stark white tombstones and read the names of so many brave young Americans that sacrificed their lives on the altar of freedom. An experience I will never forget. We were able to hike down the hill and traverse the remnants of the German trench lines, gun placements, bunkers, and ruins that remain. I was solemnly transfixed when we reached the hallowed sands of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Omaha</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>and walked along the expanse with the tide far out just as it was on the morning of June 6, 1944. We also explored the bunkers, cliffs, and hundreds of bombardment holes left at Pointe du Hoc. We ended the day at the Naval Memorial at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Utah</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>, after closing time, with only the sound of the flags snapping to the crisp sea breezes. After 12 years on the mission field, just the sight of Old Glory makes me cry. &nbsp;The presence of God was unmistakable throughout the day at every memorial, especially in the small Chapel and throughout the gardens of the <st1:placename w:st="on">American</st1:placename><st1:placetype w:st="on">Cemetery</st1:placetype> at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Omaha</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place>. A trip I would highly recommend, to anyone that can venture it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NNxpDIVoKE/UZPF2dUCKpI/AAAAAAAAAdg/B8D7Wvwq1VM/s1600/France+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NNxpDIVoKE/UZPF2dUCKpI/AAAAAAAAAdg/B8D7Wvwq1VM/s320/France+2013+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tD-rTcLIjNg/UZPF0v_T6CI/AAAAAAAAAdk/CnwCsutr8Dk/s1600/France+2013+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tD-rTcLIjNg/UZPF0v_T6CI/AAAAAAAAAdk/CnwCsutr8Dk/s320/France+2013+103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9-3I5kajSM/UZPF_IDd4YI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nkeDahTwzFY/s1600/France+2013+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9-3I5kajSM/UZPF_IDd4YI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nkeDahTwzFY/s320/France+2013+131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pd_JmpybNs/UZPGB-DN16I/AAAAAAAAAd4/cSdP0_tsQ7M/s1600/France+2013+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pd_JmpybNs/UZPGB-DN16I/AAAAAAAAAd4/cSdP0_tsQ7M/s320/France+2013+154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2j5gcZan-k/UZPGAd-vs2I/AAAAAAAAAdw/kPQ6JLvRvMs/s1600/France+2013+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2j5gcZan-k/UZPGAd-vs2I/AAAAAAAAAdw/kPQ6JLvRvMs/s320/France+2013+157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Immediately upon our return in early April we hosted an outreach team from CCV that included their renowned High School Choir. The kids sang at numerous venues, including 3 High Schools, a Middle school, the Youth Dept. at the Pollini Conservatory of Music, CC Montebelluna, CC Padova, a <st1:placename w:st="on">Nigerian</st1:placename><st1:placename w:st="on">Evangelical</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype>, 3 Pizzerias, a Gelateria, and various Piazzas throughout the center city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Padova</st1:place></st1:city>. We were so impressed by their talent, commitment, courtesy, and energy to walk endlessly… without complaint! They were a true testimony to the kind of genuine Christian character and maturity that CCV is known for and seems to instill in its young people. We are already benefiting from the fruit of their ministry with some solid new friendships and acceptance by otherwise skeptics. Pray that God will continue to move in the hearts of those who now have a much clearer view of the Lord and their faith and that they will discover that faith and fun do go together, despite Italian misconceptions of religious piety. Saturday night the Choir sang to a full house at CC Montebelluna with people from CC Feltre and CC Treviso attending as well. Several visitors committed and recommitted their lives to the Lord at the concert after Pastor Rob spoke and gave the invitation. The following morning at our church CC Padova, we were blown away when around 50 new people attended the morning concert and service and heard the clear message of the Gospel by Pastor Rob.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMIb1p9YhH4/UZPGtYjuqdI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/xhRcQBUEWGs/s1600/12827_10200876643939524_271945270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMIb1p9YhH4/UZPGtYjuqdI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/xhRcQBUEWGs/s320/12827_10200876643939524_271945270_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfZB1q5_5Iw/UZPGtj0BGAI/AAAAAAAAAeU/t7uZHEh3Fow/s1600/149044_10200866702490994_47433085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfZB1q5_5Iw/UZPGtj0BGAI/AAAAAAAAAeU/t7uZHEh3Fow/s320/149044_10200866702490994_47433085_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yufO39tdlrs/UZPGtAf-j1I/AAAAAAAAAeI/6NoMkvMzVaY/s1600/149073_10200869568802650_1194224511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yufO39tdlrs/UZPGtAf-j1I/AAAAAAAAAeI/6NoMkvMzVaY/s320/149073_10200869568802650_1194224511_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc4qe1w3Z8A/UZPGvT38_YI/AAAAAAAAAeg/7JSw-7ohSeg/s1600/155780_10200876682260482_880452049_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sc4qe1w3Z8A/UZPGvT38_YI/AAAAAAAAAeg/7JSw-7ohSeg/s320/155780_10200876682260482_880452049_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS61XUDdvVY/UZPGwVu66BI/AAAAAAAAAeo/lKqSsTiAeZY/s1600/64893_10200864565637574_1348649945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS61XUDdvVY/UZPGwVu66BI/AAAAAAAAAeo/lKqSsTiAeZY/s320/64893_10200864565637574_1348649945_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKQnbT6aXWs/UZPGxTJMVYI/AAAAAAAAAew/c1W4_7FH5J4/s1600/67574_10200876619378910_886252459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKQnbT6aXWs/UZPGxTJMVYI/AAAAAAAAAew/c1W4_7FH5J4/s320/67574_10200876619378910_886252459_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqF44xOWrOQ/UZPIuvfPzDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/m8jEGzv6Yyo/s1600/45283_10200881775387807_655510488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqF44xOWrOQ/UZPIuvfPzDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/m8jEGzv6Yyo/s320/45283_10200881775387807_655510488_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8djtZ3dMbg0/UZPIvCocKII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/LkRkuupV2-0/s1600/551054_10200881771467709_993060984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8djtZ3dMbg0/UZPIvCocKII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/LkRkuupV2-0/s320/551054_10200881771467709_993060984_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJjQeETuns/UZPJ7QE-Q3I/AAAAAAAAAfg/2p8c2-JsQIQ/s1600/altino1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJjQeETuns/UZPJ7QE-Q3I/AAAAAAAAAfg/2p8c2-JsQIQ/s320/altino1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(the theatre we are praying for)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Finally, we are now at a crossroads and really need to move. Although we are a small fellowship, I believe we are on the verge of substantial growth that will be facilitated and accelerated by our move to a more central and more visible and accessible location. We are searching for a full time location in the city center for the church since the community building we use is not downtown and used only on Sunday mornings. Join us in prayer and if God leads consider helping to underwrite the new building for a season. We see a great need for midweek opportunities to connect and evangelize our community. Padova is such a beautiful city and we have fallen in love with it and desire that CC Padova will be a real beacon of light here for the glory of God. We have our eyes on an abandoned Theater on a busy walking street downtown and we pray that God would open the door and windows of heaven for that or something similar. May the Lord richly bless you and with all of our hearts and deep gratitude we thank you for your prayers and faithful support.&nbsp;</span></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-49574676459240850552013-03-08T15:36:00.001-08:002013-03-08T15:36:26.708-08:00Spring Is ComingNever has a word meant so much as the word 'spring' has in the past month. &nbsp;This winter season has been an extremely rough one and yet God has shown Himself to be so faithful as He always is. &nbsp;It was interesting because a few weeks ago we had nice and sunny days. &nbsp;All the windows and doors were open, we even put the laundry outside to dry! &nbsp;I looked to Marla and said "Well, winter is finally over and we can start to enjoy a new season" &nbsp;Sure enough, in a week and a half we had a snowfall. &nbsp;It was unbelievable for us. &nbsp;We don't usually get a lot of snow and once the sun starts to come out it is usually a sign the winter is over. &nbsp;But, it was a good analogy for us because as we have gone through a really rough time the past months and we thought it was over but there was to be another surprise storm that would come. &nbsp;It reminded me how easy it is to be prepared for certain things yet unprepared for others. &nbsp;In winter, we expect colder temperatures (well, not if you are in So Cal lol) we expect the snow, the storms. &nbsp;But when these things happen unexpectedly it throws you for a loop. &nbsp;Imagine you have put away your shovels, your winter boots are packed away, you start to think about the flowers you are going to plant in the garden and BOOM...you find yourself off guard and taken back as you look out your window and see snow falling. &nbsp; But, just as in the last post I wrote, Spring will come. &nbsp;It can't not come. &nbsp;It is a part of God's plan and we can trust that Spring will come.<br /><br />In just one week God has done so much! &nbsp;He has put us in contact with people and organizations that we have been praying about for years. &nbsp;Jim has been meeting with a guy pretty regularly just to chat and today the guy brought his 3 brothers along to meet Jim. &nbsp;Marla was hired to lead an English Conversational Group at a language school in town and I was able to begin training with an organization who help girls working on the street to have a way out if they would like. &nbsp;Marla and I went to a women's coffee and had the opportunity to meet some really nice ladies and we will be keeping in touch with them. &nbsp;Jim's friend who manages the park wants him to put together a band and be playing regularly there this summer. &nbsp;It has been a blessing for us and to be honest, we really needed to see and hear from the Lord that He indeed wanted to keep us here in Padova. <br /><br />A few months ago the Lord gave Jim the promise in Exodus that He would give us the land little by little. &nbsp;The way things were going it was a bit difficult to trust in that but we held onto that promise. &nbsp;The other &nbsp;week in a devotional we read it was about every place that your foot treads I will give you the land. &nbsp; I love how God reiterates and reminds us of His promises. &nbsp;When you are just weeping, questioning, doubting, He uses a different verse but the same promise. &nbsp;He is ever so tender towards us I cannot even fathom His great love and care. <br /><br />With the opportunities that have been coming our way it has caused us to reconsider where we are living. &nbsp;As much as we enjoy it where we are we are looking to move to the city center. &nbsp;It will be much easier for Marla to get work, it will be easier for me to go to the places I need to go to and also to meet up with friends. &nbsp;It will also be much better for inviting people over so they can either walk or take public transportation. &nbsp;You can keep this in prayer that we would find the right place for us. &nbsp;We have to give 6 months notice where we live (that's the Italian way) so it probably wouldn't be until Fall that we could actually move. <br /><br />My friend Becky, who is the pastor's wife in Paris, France and I have been busy organizing a Pastor's Wives retreat in Paris March 22-24. &nbsp;We are really excited and all the ladies coming are looking forward to this time of fellowship and refreshment. &nbsp;Inga-Lill Guzik and Rose Martin are coming as our guest speakers so we know that we are going to be so blessed. &nbsp;Our theme is from Song of Solomon 2:10 &nbsp;'Come Away My Beloved'. &nbsp;I love the next few verses also because guess what...it talks about winter being over and spring is coming-the birds are coming out to sing! &nbsp;Ah, it was such a great blessing to read beyond verse 10. &nbsp;I think this is going to minister so much to all the ladies who are coming. <br /><br />We are so thrilled because our home church CC Vista is coming with the CC School Choir in April. &nbsp;They will be here as our very first outreach group and the timing is so good. &nbsp;You can be praying for the different venues and opportunities for them to sing in the schools, connect and meet Italian high school students and just shine the love of God in this city. &nbsp;Please pray for their travel, health and anything else the Lord would put on your heart to pray for them while they are here. <br /><br />Jim will be writing an update in the next week but I wanted to give the 'female version' and plus I am going to try to be more faithful at the blog writing again :) <br /><br />And now....guess what.....I just had a mosquito fly by my desk two times!!! &nbsp;Alas, winter is over and Spring is on it's way!!! &nbsp;Perhaps this is the one and only time in life I shall be happy to see this most dreadful creature! &nbsp;Is it not like the Lord to use such nuisances to bring a smile to our face and remind us of what is to come!!<br /><br />I will leave you with some beautiful pictures of the city that God has called us to, that our feet will continually tread upon and that He has promised us!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnzfQD3fpvk/UTp0FiJwnCI/AAAAAAAAAcU/teOnHIm-itQ/s1600/45909311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnzfQD3fpvk/UTp0FiJwnCI/AAAAAAAAAcU/teOnHIm-itQ/s320/45909311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l3t7WDnTg8/UTp0Fv41HHI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sMI5qNd_MFk/s1600/3305337-PADOVA_Padova.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l3t7WDnTg8/UTp0Fv41HHI/AAAAAAAAAcY/sMI5qNd_MFk/s320/3305337-PADOVA_Padova.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egpWXkGImy8/UTp0H1kuCZI/AAAAAAAAAck/_Abyvj6L-Qg/s1600/1337176749_padova.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egpWXkGImy8/UTp0H1kuCZI/AAAAAAAAAck/_Abyvj6L-Qg/s320/1337176749_padova.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CJZU-HN1Iw/UTp0IBMmJTI/AAAAAAAAAco/EOk3KN7Acm4/s1600/Prato-della-Valle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CJZU-HN1Iw/UTp0IBMmJTI/AAAAAAAAAco/EOk3KN7Acm4/s320/Prato-della-Valle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt7jXiNBJBI/UTp0Lky1HtI/AAAAAAAAAc0/Rj-_U56BO8s/s1600/imag0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt7jXiNBJBI/UTp0Lky1HtI/AAAAAAAAAc0/Rj-_U56BO8s/s320/imag0243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-75941533289692053132013-01-26T02:46:00.001-08:002013-01-26T02:56:50.319-08:00His Compassions Fail NotYesterday I was able to catch up with a dear friend and was encouraged to once again read one of my favorite devotionals. I enjoy having them in different places around the house and reading throughout the day. This year I have been faithfully reading through Streams In the Desert. It's been so good and encouraging each time I read it. So, this morning I picked up "A Very Present Help" by Amy Carmichael. I read the first entry and though I have read this devotional a few times over the past 15 yrs or so it was like I was reading it for the first time all over again. There is something to be said for how God's Word ministers to your heart exactly where you are. It's been a really rough past 6 months or so. As many of you already know, my back is a complete mess. It's been deteriorating for years, but this past Spring's visit to the states revealed just how bad it is. Without God intervening or surgery the doctor said I probably won't be able to walk very well in a year. So you can be praying that we find a good surgeon here and we will have perfect peace because it is extremely scary to me to have a surgery-especially in a country where I am not fluent in the language!<br /><br />&nbsp;The entry today 'God will not fail you during the Winter season of your life'. The scripture for the devotion is Lamentations 3:19-33. I encourage you to read this portion of scripture! It's a great reminder not only for ourselves, but to remember to share with others as they go through struggles. If you would indulge me as I write down this illustration from Amy:<br /><br />&nbsp; <i>You were like a leafy bush, and many little things came for you to shelter. You were not great or important, but you could help those little things. And it was the joy of your life to help them. Now you can do nothing at all. Some desolation—illness, monetary loss, or something you cannot talk about to anyone, a trouble no one seems to understand—has overwhelmed you. All your green leaves have gone. Now you cannot shelter even the least little bird. You are like a bush, with its bare twigs. No use to anyone. That is what you think.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;But look again at this bare bush. Look at the delicate tracery of its shadow lines on the snow. The sun is shining behind the bush and so every little twig is helping to make something that is very beautiful. Perhaps other eyes, that you do not see, are looking on it too, wondering what can be made of sun and snow and poor bare twigs… The spring will come again, for after winter there is always spring.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;But when will the spring come? When will your bush be green with leaves again? When will the little birds you love come back to you? I do not know. Only I know that the sun and snow are working together for good. And the day will come when the memory of helplessness and inability to give help to anyone else, or the memory of hard financial times, of loneliness, loss, or isolation—these will all pass as a dream in the night. All that seemed lost will be restored.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;Now, in the midst of so much unhappiness, engulfing your heart in cold, let these words seep down—like fingers of sunlight, like trickles of first-spring rains—to refresh your inmost soul: He will not fail you, who is the God of the sun and the snow.</i> Amy Carmichael Figures of the True <i></i><br /><br />I find it comforting that when we lack the ability to put into words what we are going through, God has gifted someone else to pen these thoughts. &nbsp;And to know that had they not gone through pain and suffering they would not have been able to express in such a way the very thoughts that are racing throughout your very own mind. <br /><br />How often I have felt like that barren bush these past months. &nbsp;The one who was always on the go, full of energy, wanting to do this and that, go here and there. &nbsp;Years ago I was one of the best runners in our school and now I have trouble just walking for more than a couple of hours. &nbsp;I don't think anyone likes to feel useless in life. &nbsp;The beginning paragraph so wonderfully depicts my thoughts of late.<br /><br />All the years we lived in Hungary and how many of the women would come to me for help and how much joy there was in being a part of their lives and watching them grown in their walk with the Lord. &nbsp;To see their eyes uncovered and experience the love of their Savior they never thought possible.<br />&nbsp;And now, I feel like that barren bush-with no leaves that are flourishing upon it. &nbsp;Nothing to show for its existence. &nbsp;It is just there. &nbsp;I picture this barren bush in a field and there are no other bushes around it to help it stand and the winds come gusting forth and blow and try to topple it over. &nbsp;Not just one storm, but storm after storm trying to knock it down until twig by twig it is broken into little pieces. &nbsp;The bush is trying to hang in there and wait for Spring, but Spring doesn't seem to come fast enough. &nbsp;There are hints of Spring and the hopes are high and then another storm comes and with that another twig falls to the wayside.<br /><br />To read the words "When will the Spring come? &nbsp;I do not know....I only know that sun and snow are working together for good" &nbsp;Wow, just wow!! &nbsp;We always want answers, at least I always want them. &nbsp;I want to know when, I want to know why, I want to know how....but the truth of the matter is that we don't always know but God knows and He is indeed working all things together for good-even when I don't see it, even when I don't believe it-He is! <br /><br />God has given me a task and I have put it off for quite some time. &nbsp;I started it and put it aside for lack of motivation. &nbsp;Today I realized that I need to be diligent in picking it up again. &nbsp;He's allowed this season of my life for a purpose and I want to believe that He will use it. You can be praying I will complete writing the devotional I once started. &nbsp;In September, when Terri and Carol were here, the Lord gave me the title "A Gentle Transformation". <br /><br />No matter what any of us are going through-whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, whatever it is...He has promised that He will not fail us. <br /><br />Though He brings grief, He will show compassion,<br />So great is His unfailing love.<br />For He does not willingly bring affliction<br />Or grief to anyone. &nbsp;Lamentations 3:33<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FlL8LayF0uw?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-42447915323214066832013-01-06T12:25:00.000-08:002013-01-06T12:25:20.462-08:00BefanaOggi in Italia è l'Epifania e anche la festa della Befana. Ecco le informazioni sulla Befana che ho trovato in rete: La Befana è una delle leggende più antiche e più celebre d'Italia. Ogni anno, il 6 gennaio i bambini di Italia si risvegliano nella speranza che la Befana ha fatto una visita a casa loro. Questo è un giorno importante per gli italiani, perché segna la fine della stagione di Natale e il giorno in cui i tre Re Magi arrivano alla mangiatoia di Gesù Bambino. Nel corso degli anni l'Epifania è stata una vacanza più celebre per i bambini d'Italia del il Natale. Suona abbastanza normale destro un po 'come il giorno di San Nicola in gran parte dell'Europa. La leggenda dietro Befana davvero afferrato la mia attenzione di recente. Continua a leggere: (E 'un po' lunga ma vale la pena leggere) Secondo la leggenda i tre Re Magi erano alla ricerca di Gesù Bambino quando hanno deciso di fermarsi a una piccola casa per chiedere indicazioni. Al bussare, una vecchia che tiene una scopa aperto la porta un po 'per vedere chi c'era. In piedi alla sua porta di casa c'erano tre uomini vestiti con colori sgargianti che avevano bisogno di indicazioni per trovare il Cristo bambino. La vecchia non era a conoscenza di ciò che questi tre uomini stavano cercando e non poteva farli puntare nella giusta direzione. Prima i tre uomini che escono hanno gentilmente chiesto la vecchia ad unirsi a loro nel loro viaggio. Ha rifiutato perché aveva molto da fare lavori di casa. Dopo la loro partenza si sentiva come se avesse commesso un errore e decise di andare a recuperare il ritardo con il gentili uomini. Dopo molte ore di ricerca non riusciva a trovare. Pensando l'opportunità che aveva perso la vecchia si fermò ogni bambino per dare loro un trattamento piccola nella speranza che uno era il Cristo bambino. Ogni anno alla vigilia dell'Epifania si mette in giro a cercare il Gesù bambino. Si ferma a casa di ogni bambino di lasciare coloro che erano buoni dolcetti nelle calze e quelli che sono stati male un pezzo di carbone. Riesci a vedere dove sto andando con questo! Naturalmente è tutto leggenda, ma lo trovo molto interessante. La parte della leggenda che ha mi ha colpito è come la Befana era troppo occupato per andare a cercare Gesù con i Re Magi e ora passa le sue giornate alle ricerca sperando che non sia troppo tardi. Che una grande applicazione! Dio può anche utilizzare le leggende tramandate di generazione in generazione per dare un insegnamento. Oggi vediamo che così tante persone sono troppo occupati: sono impegnate a studiare, lavorare, fissando le loro case, andando qua e là e non hanno tempo per Gesù.. Quante volte abbiamo sentito le scuse perché la gente non vuole venire in chiesa, perché non sono interessati e non vogliono sapere chi è Gesù. Ricordate la parabola della grande cena? (Luca 14:15) Il maestro aveva preparato una festa e mandò il suo servo a invitare molti alla festa. Uno per uno, tutti hanno detto scuse-acquisto di terreni, occupato con la famiglia, impegnato con il lavoro. Il maestro si arrabbiò a tutte le loro scuse! Non c'è nulla di nuovo sotto il sole! Le scuse stesse oggi come erano nel giorno della parabola. Non hanno tempo di venire via e sedersi con Gesù. Tutto il resto ha la priorità. Purtroppo, anche i cristiani sono caduti in questa categoria. Cristiani che una volta erano nella chiesa-per ogni studio biblico, ogni volta che le porte erano aperte e qualcosa stava succedendo, non ci sono stati. Non mi dispiace che potrebbe perdere una o due ore di sonno se lo studio era la sera, che stavano per ascoltare la Parola, essere in comunione. Fellowship e la Parola era la priorità. Qui in Italia le persone sono noti per la loro dedizione al lavoro domestico. Questa è un'altra cosa che trovo particolarmente interessante de la leggenda della Befana. Stava facendo una buona cosa-pulizia della casa sua. Ma, il suo lavoro domestico ha la priorità rispetto trovare Gesù! Forse sto allungando un po 'nel mio confronto, ma per favore mi indulgete un po' :) In alcune culture in cui le donne sono impegnate nei lavori di casa, Gesù e lo studio della Parola può prendere un sedile posteriore. E 'come la storia di Marta e Maria. Martha stava facendo ciò che è buono, dopo tutto, qualcuno doveva preparare il pasto giusto! Ma Gesù ha detto che Maria ha scelto la parte migliore. Che cosa stava facendo Mary? Era seduta ai piedi di Gesù, ascoltando e imparando l'assunzione in tutto ciò che poteva da lui. Quindi, qual è il punto di tutto questo??? Se ci dimentichiamo di lavori domestici-ovviamente * NO * È solo uno scherzo! Non dovremmo fare il nostro lavoro, la nostra scuola, trascorrere del tempo con le nostre famiglie? Facciamo tutte queste cose, tutto ciò che Dio ci dà da fare dobbiamo farlo con forza, come a lui. Tuttavia, nessuna di queste cose deve avere la precedenza su di Lui e la Sua Parola. Passare del tempo con Gesù e conoscere Lui dovrebbe essere la priorità nella nostra vita. Proprio come la leggenda della Befana, lei cerca ancora oggi, sperando che non sia troppo tardi. Lei cavalca il suo piccolo giro su scopa sperando di trovare Gesù. Ci sarà un giorno in cui è troppo tardi. Non indurire il tuo cuore verso la sua voce, il suo cenno, la Sua chiamata. Non siate così preoccupati con la vita che non si ha il tempo di sedersi ai suoi piedi. In Matteo 6 Gesù parla a noi in merito non preoccuparsi dove avremo il nostro cibo, i nostri vestiti. Egli si prenderà cura di tutto quello che serve. Spesso confidiamo l'ordine delle cose. Pensiamo che tutto il resto deve venire prima e il tempo in più può essere dato a Dio. No, dice che dobbiamo cercarlo in primo luogo, cercare primo il suo regno. Lui sa quello che abbiamo di bisogno. Egli conosce le nostre finanze, quante ore di sonno abbiamo effettivamente bisogno, le prove e gli esami che stanno arrivando. Prendete il vostro tempo e datelo a lui. Sì, essere fedeli nel vostro lavoro, la vostra casa, con tutte le tue responsabilità, ma non usare ciò che Dio vi ha dato come una scusa per metterlo fuori. Egli vi ha dato quel lavoro, che Egli vi ha dato la famiglia, l'intelligenza di andare a scuola, la casa in cui vivete, ecc, ma Egli non vi ha dato tutto questo in modo che potessero avere la priorità. Facciamo la nostra priorità Dio cerchiamo veramente prima le cose di Dio, per mettere ogni cosa al giusto posto nella nostra vita. Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149473015849153994.post-80847512900223099232012-10-05T02:09:00.001-07:002012-10-05T02:17:26.102-07:00Fall Update<br /><div class="MsoNormal">Greetings to all of you!</div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems like it's been a whirlwind over here since August.&nbsp; Many visitors have come and gone since then, we attended the annual CC Missions Conference in Austria which is always an incredible time of encouragement through God's Word, catching up with old friends and enjoying the opportunity to meet new ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone at church is doing well.&nbsp; Bethany and Lorenzo had their baby boy and we anxiously await Greg and Alice's&nbsp; (Alichay-soft ch) new baby girl.&nbsp; We have the phone right next to us all set to take her to the hospital.&nbsp; It's always a joyous time to see God bring new life into the world.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal">We had to say good-bye to a few young college students this past summer as they finished their year abroad which was quite sad.&nbsp; But, true to His ways, the Lord has brought us two new students.&nbsp; One is a gal from England, the other from Hungary.&nbsp; We are blessed to have them in the church now and pray that God will use them in a great way while they are here studying in Italy this year.&nbsp; Please keep them in your prayers-Chloe and Kinga, as it is a difficult age and also a difficult climate to be in at times. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have a couple that were gone for about 2 years return to church in September.&nbsp; They were going through some personal difficulties and yet they allowed God to work in and through them and now they are back in fellowship.&nbsp; We are thrilled to experience the joy that goes with seeing people return to the Lord!&nbsp; It's been great! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that Greg and Alice have moved to Padova, a couple of the girls and I are going to start meeting each week for prayer.&nbsp; This is one of the most exciting things for me, Margie, as I have not had any gals to pray with on a regular basis for 4 yrs now.&nbsp; Alice is a prayer warrior so we look forward to seeing the power of God work through our prayers.&nbsp; Don't take it for granted if you have a ladies prayer group at your church :)&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim has finished teaching through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings.&nbsp; He is going through a short series now and is praying to see what the Lord will have him teach next.&nbsp; There seems to be a leaning towards Revelation which will be quite exciting - especially with all the things going on in the world these days.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In September we had a gal that previously was in Italy for bible college come to stay with us for 3 weeks.&nbsp; She's 22 and has such a precious heart to serve the Lord.&nbsp; After much prayer and seeking the Lord, we officially asked her to begin praying to move to Padova to come alongside the work here.&nbsp; It's interesting that in 11 yrs of being on the mission field, we have never asked someone specifically to pray to move.&nbsp; There is just something about Rachel and we see God's hand upon her life.&nbsp; She is spirit-filled, joyful and servant-minded.&nbsp; She sings like an angel and has such a heart for the University students here.&nbsp; Her church in PA has started a prayer group for her.&nbsp; Please keep her in your prayers that the Lord would speak His perfect will to her.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are seriously looking for a building for our church to move to.&nbsp; Though we are blessed to have the building we have, it is not in a very good location.&nbsp; We are also not considered a church so as Kinga experienced last week, it is almost impossible to find the place unless you have been there.&nbsp; We would like to find a building that is more centralized and easily accessible from the train station and city center.&nbsp; This would mean finding additional help to pay for the rent of the church.&nbsp; We are looking for a few new churches and or people to come alongside the work here financially and prayerfully.&nbsp; Realistically, we would seek a two year commitment and after that we would like to know that our own church could take over the payments.&nbsp; Sunday mornings are so busy with Jim picking people up and bringing them back home. It's not that he minds this, but it does take up a lot of time.&nbsp; Please be in prayer about this for our church here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim is officially Italian!&nbsp; He received all the right documentation and is now a card carrying Sicilian :)&nbsp; He will apply for his passport in the next couple of months.&nbsp; It is not necessary to have it but as he travels in Europe it will be easier to go through the EU lines.&nbsp; Please continue to pray for me as I am still waiting for my paperwork to be completed stateside so that I can have the documents needed.&nbsp; We made friends with the Immigration Officer at the Questura (police) so we no longer have to wait in a long line for hours on end-he lets us go straight to him.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please keep our city in your prayers.&nbsp; There is so much evil and wickedness here.&nbsp; Some of you have heard us say this in the past-but truly Italy is overlooked as a mission field.&nbsp; It is easy to think of it as a Christian nation, but sadly, it has become a nation void of God.&nbsp; The youth are screaming out to be heard, the young adults are throwing aside all tradition of family and spiritual upbringing and replacing it with the things of this world that lead to emptiness in the end.&nbsp; I would love it if some stateside would get together even monthly, just to pray for Padova.&nbsp; Pray for the thousands of students that wonder through these streets without a thought or care as to who the living God is.&nbsp; Pray for the young couples who see no need to marry or no need to have a relationship with Jesus.&nbsp; Pray for the elderly who seem to just throw up their hands in hopelessness with this lost generation.&nbsp; Pray that God would so empower us with His Spirit that we can make an impact here-that we will turn this city upside down!&nbsp; We cannot do this without your prayers!!&nbsp; Again, it is so reminiscent of the early days of Calvary Chapel when the youth were rebelling against everything.&nbsp; They no longer trusted the government, the establishment, the churches-they were searching then for something that was lacking in their lives and they search today-we are here with the truth, we desire with all of our heart that they would listen!&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you to all who pray without ceasing for us, to those who support us financially even when it is difficult.&nbsp; We appreciate everything so much.&nbsp; Thank you for doing what you do so that we can be here as an extension of all of you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Much love,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jim and Margie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LadJJe0tOU/UG6iRhpkjaI/AAAAAAAAAao/xL8NMB5VXdM/s1600/156196_4656144763359_1232941491_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LadJJe0tOU/UG6iRhpkjaI/AAAAAAAAAao/xL8NMB5VXdM/s320/156196_4656144763359_1232941491_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Got to spend some time with Mike and Sandy&nbsp;</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBKzTea0KnY/UG6iTBKmqVI/AAAAAAAAAaw/9-pe0QAj5gQ/s1600/292862_3787417599769_395554530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBKzTea0KnY/UG6iTBKmqVI/AAAAAAAAAaw/9-pe0QAj5gQ/s320/292862_3787417599769_395554530_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mom enjoying her ice-cream treat in Verona</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fk6kxknG7k/UG6iWASrC5I/AAAAAAAAAa4/wl7zouLSULk/s1600/338409_10151237822121757_796079362_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fk6kxknG7k/UG6iWASrC5I/AAAAAAAAAa4/wl7zouLSULk/s320/338409_10151237822121757_796079362_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Welcome back to Sunday School&nbsp;</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_S9KW5iW_Y/UG6iXfLv32I/AAAAAAAAAa8/EMB0pOkTy98/s1600/541238_3787443800424_2147473382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_S9KW5iW_Y/UG6iXfLv32I/AAAAAAAAAa8/EMB0pOkTy98/s320/541238_3787443800424_2147473382_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Saying good-bye to Terri and Carol</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zQarV_ZZNI/UG6iaME7W9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/i8o3Nwlh--A/s1600/621246_10151237821536757_169068618_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zQarV_ZZNI/UG6iaME7W9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/i8o3Nwlh--A/s320/621246_10151237821536757_169068618_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Train up a child&nbsp;</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Margiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14239586499837335212noreply@blogger.com0